Usefulness of simulation method to improve efficiency of chair-to-wheelchair transfer of patients performed by caregivers.
Sota Nakano, Hirotaka Okada, Shigeyoshi Higo and 3 others
PMID 31645810WHAT IT FOUND
Hands-on simulated transfer training with explanation and feedback increased leg load on a mock care-receiver more than no coaching.
Watching a demonstration with explanation did not produce this change.
Key findings
01Caregivers in the simulated experience group increased the mock care-receiver's lower-limb load more than the control group, with mean changes from first to second transfer of 101.0 ± 104.0 N and 11.7 ± 69.6 N.
02Caregivers who watched a physiotherapist demonstrate transfer assistance had a mean change from first to second transfer of 61.8 ± 79.4 N, but this was not significantly different from the control group.
03The transfer was performed on one healthy male mock care-receiver whose hip flexion was limited to 90 degrees, not on actual patients.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study used one healthy male mock care-receiver with hip flexion limited to 90 degrees, not actual patients with other dysfunctions. The outcome was a measured change in leg load, not patient safety, caregiver burden, back strain, or real transfer efficiency. The sample was 45 nurses and care staff, with 15 in each group, so results may not generalise to other caregiver settings. The authors state they do not know whether the simulated experience method is effective for care-receivers with certain dysfunctions. The measurement system was custom developed and checked against a reference force meter using one adult performing simulated motions.
Declared interests
This research was financially supported by JSPS KAKENHI grant 15K15905. The authors declare no competing interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude this improves real patient transfers or prevents caregiver back strain. The study used one healthy male mock care-receiver with hip flexion limited to 90 degrees and measured leg load, not patient safety or injury.