Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine how safe-patient-handling (SPH) equipment is used in
rehabilitation and how it affects therapists, patients, and therapy practice.
METHOD: We used a qualitative, instrumental case study design. Thirty-five
occupational and physical therapist practitioners from three facilities
participated in the study. RESULTS: Therapists reported a broad range of
applications for equipment (e.g., functional mobility and neuromusculoskeletal
function). They reported that SPH equipment increased treatment options for
therapists and increased participation options for patients, although equipment
limitations exist. Three themes emerged from the analysis: choice, potential, and
safety. CONCLUSION: SPH equipment has therapeutic applications in rehabilitation,
especially for medically complex or bariatric patients. Therapists in this study
engaged in a highly individualized, complex process of decision making when
selecting and using SPH devices in rehabilitation. More research to refine and
test therapeutic uses is necessary.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS