A multidisciplinary methodology for the evaluation of products that assist with bed mobility

Fazakerly, Louise and Allen, R. (2010) A multidisciplinary methodology for the evaluation of products that assist with bed mobility. Assistive Technology, 22, 69-78. (doi:10.1080/10400435.2010.483643).

Record type: Article

Abstract

This article presents a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating
products that assist with bed mobility. Following multidisciplinary risk assessments
on 10 mattress elevators, 24 participants tested four different products
for periods of up to 1 week. The participants, recruited by health professionals,
were asked to test four different mattress elevators and, if possible, test each
allocated product for a week at a time in their own home. The Barthel Activities
of Daily Living Index, a sitting balance assessment using a subscale of the
motor assessment scale, and the Waterlow score were used to aid comparison
of the products and their performance in practice. All products assisted with
bed mobility, particularly lying-to-sitting and giving support in sitting. Technical
and manual handling risk assessments were undertaken by a panel of
experts in a laboratory on the products using a predetermined checklist.
Guidelines for choosing these products were compiled from the results of
both the risk assessments and the user evaluations.

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