Usefulness of simulation method to improve efficiency of chair-to-wheelchair transfer of patients performed by caregivers

Abstract

[Purpose] We aimed to clarify whether demonstration and simulated experience help the ability of care-receivers to get transferred, such as from the bed to the commode. [Participants and Methods] Participants included 28 nurses and 17 caregivers (34 females and 11 males). We developed a total floor reaction force measurement device to quantify the total loading level of care-receivers and caregivers and force shoes to quantify the loading level of the caregivers. Using these instruments, we constructed a system to measure the load on the lower limbs of the care-receivers during partial assistance. We divided the participants into the control, demonstration, and simulated experience method groups. We examined the differences in the load on the lower limbs before and after the intervention. [Results] The loads on the lower limbs of care-receivers when their buttocks were lifted from the chair were 11.7 ± 69.6, 61.8 ± 79.4, and 101.0 ± 104.0 N in the control, demonstration, and simulated experience groups. [Conclusion] These data suggest that the simulated experience method could help make use of the ability of the care-receiver to get transferred. Even care workers for the sanatorium-type sickbeds could learn to utilize the physical ability of the care-receivers using simulated experience.

Usefulness of a simulated experience method for transfer assistance for hemiplegia or limited range of motion in multiple joints

“…We have already reported that simulated experience method is an effective method to promote utilization of care recipient power who had a limited range of motion in hip joint by caregiver 5 ) . Results of this research suggest that hemiplegia and limited-ROM-in-multiple-joints are added as dysfunctions that can be applied to the simulated experience method in transfer assistance.…”

“…In this study, we used the load on the lower limbs of the care recipient at the time of the buttocks leaving the seat used as the index of transfer ability 12 ) . A measurement system consisting of two measurement devices, to quantify total floor reaction force and hip-floor reaction force, and force shoes, was used 5 ) . Each device is made of a stainless steel panel and load cells (LMB-A-2KN-P; Kyowa Electronic Instruments Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan).…”

“…In addition, we reported that simulated experience method is an effective method to promote utilization of care recipient power by caregiver. The method encourages the caregiver to understand the ability of the care recipient 5 ) . However, various dysfunctions lead to a need for care, and it is unclear thatthe simulated experience method might be effective to these dysfunctions.…”

Regression Equation between Required Force and Lumbar Load of Caregiver in Supporting Standing-up Motion via Computational Musculoskeletal Simulation

“…In supporting standing-up, the required force is considered to be the difference between the patient's weight and ground reaction force exerted by the patient. Nakano et al (2019) suggested that wearable force shoes could measure the required forces while supporting standing-up (Nakano et al, 2019). Regarding lumbar loads, stress of the vertebral (L4-L5) joint and activities of spinae erector muscle are considered as important factors.…”