A Prospective, Observational Study of a Novel Lift-Compatible Safe Patient Handling Support Surface in the Intensive Care Unit

IntroductionPressure injuries and musculoskeletal injuries are two of the most common and costly preventable harms in healthcare. For many healthcare organizations, gains in the mitigation of these preventable harms were lost as the COVID pandemic brought new challenges to safe, high quality practice, including resource-intensive care, staffing shortages, education paucity, and financial instability. In this new environment, hybrid devices that can simplify and standardize practice, while addressing multiple care focuses, offer promise.PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate exertion, patient- and caregiver-protective capabilities, workflow integration, and financial benefits of a hybrid lift-compatible safe patient handling support surface (LC-SPH-SS).MethodologyThis single-site pilot study was done in the surgical intensive care unit of an acute care hospital in Midwest United States. A standardized data collection form was designed and automated in Qualtrics. Product training was provided. Twenty-six reviewers assessed twenty separate data points during safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) activities. Aggregate data was analyzed and outcomes reported.ResultsTurning, boosting, lateral transfer, and vertical transfer required light effort (Modified Borg 2). Bed to chair mobility required very light effort (Modified Borg 1). Most SPHM tasks were accomplished with two caregivers. Participants rated the device favorably for 5 caregiver-centric and 3 patient-centric features, focused on ease of mobilization, sustained positioning, comfort, and workflow. Participants rated the device as excellent or good for 5 product-focused features affecting ease of use and patient and caregiver safety. Potential cost savings were realized through the replacement of eight SPHM devices by the hybrid LC-SPH-SS. No sacral or ischial pressure injuries developed among included patients. ConclusionHybrid technologies allow healthcare organizations to streamline practice. This study demonstrates that a lift-compatible SPHM support surface can alleviate waste, promote consistent care, improve workflow, prevent patient and caregiver harm, and save time and money.