ABSTRACT

To move freely and transfer the weight of our bodies from one position to another is generally taken for granted. The impact of a disability and the need from a second or third person to achieve the goal of movement increase the complexity of the task. Adding equipment into the equation gives a further opportunity for incompatibility of method, fit or technique between those now involved in the task. However, the need for equipment is well recognised and encouraged (Health and Safety Executive, 1992) and the hazards of patient handling without equipment are also well documented and no longer tolerated (Bell, 1979, Owen, 1987, Hignett, 1996). Manual handling equipment is a necessity and mechanical hoists, figure 1, are now commonly found in the hospital environment. A low level of utilisation is still a problem and the research within this field has revealed the causes to be complex, including work environment, staff opinions, equipment design, availability and patient’s opinion (Moody et al, 1996, McGuire & Moody, 1996, Conneeley, 1998 and Bell, 1984). A literature review of the area revealed that most work

had concentrated on evaluating current hoist designs in relation to the nurse and tasks required of them (Bell, 1984, Hignett, 1998, Moody, et al 1996, Zhuang, et al 2000) but with minimal attention on the sling to attach the patient to the hoist, (Medical Devices Agency, 1994).