Design Considerations in the Provision of Safe Patient Handling Environments

The use of patient handling technology positively influences the quality of patient care, mobilization, rehabilitation, quality of life, and the risk to staff and patients from moving and handling patients. Architecture and design that take into account factors that impact patient handling and the use of patient handling equipment will thus foster improved patient care and outcomes as well as safer and more professionally satisfying work environments for staff. Design/architectural features that must be addressed in this context include: Flooring Materials and Finishes, Space Constraints, Storage Space, Door Openings, Hallway Widths, Floor/Walkway Slopes and Thresholds, Elevator Dimensions, Headwalls/Service Utility Colunms, and Weight Capacities of Toilets and Mounted Objects.