Patient handling tasks are performed in diverse clinical settings and there is no one solution or "fix" likely to be successful across all units in a facility. High-risk patient handling tasks are characterized by significant bio mechanical and postural stressors imposed on the caregiver. Not surprisingly, factors such as the patient’s weight, transfer distance, confined workspace, unpredictable patient behavior, and awkward positions such as stooping, bending, and reaching significantly contribute to the risk of performing patient handling tasks. Few would argue that one of the highest risk patient handling tasks is a patient transfer.
Efforts to reduce injuries associated with patient handling are often based on tradition and personal experience rather than scientific evidence. There is evidence for interventions designed to reduce caregiver injuries, a significant problem for decades. Despite strong evidence, published over three decades, the most commonly used strategies have demonstrated that they are ineffective. There is a growing body of evidence to support newer intervention technologies that are effective in reducing musculoskeletal pain and injuries in care providers.
The Versatilt ...The Safe Patient Handling Device
Technology has improved and expanded the equipment options for use in patient handling. There is substantial evidence that transfer activities expose health care professionals, including nurses and physical therapists, to risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. There is also evidence that ergonomic use of equipment to assist with patient handling is associated with decreases in injuries among health care providers. The use of patient-handling equipment has additional potential for facilitating the goals of rehabilitation and improving patient outcomes.
The Versatilt is such a device. The best patient handling technique is non-transfer care. The Versatilt allows the patient to remain in their chair while receiving necessary medical, dental and other professionally provided care. One simply has to guide the wheelchair onto the deck and the Versatilt does the rest. The Versatilt is a wheelchair tilting device that is the most economical, durable and dynamic solution available today for safe patient handling.
Safe Patient Handling
