Evaluating the Efficacy of Low-Cost Patient Handling Interventions for Home Healthcare

Abstract

The need for home healthcare workers is growing. To retain current workers and attract new ones, quality of worklife must improve for these essential workers, including reducing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Providing home care often involves physically strenuous patient-handling activities. While assistive equipment is utilized in hospital and nursing care settings, it is less likely to be available in home settings. There is little research on use of assistive equipment in home settings. This study assessed biomechanical efficacy and usability of several “small aids” for that use case. Experienced home healthcare workers performed several patient-handling tasks in a simulated home environment, using standard methods and also several small aids. For certain tasks, results showed biomechanical benefits to a patient-worn vest with handles and a small transfer board, as well as positive usability. This information is being shared through various means to reach stakeholders to encourage adoption.