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The clinical literature and clinical evidence shows that ease-of-use is critical to adopting mobility equipment. Nurses report that many repositioning devices take too long to operate, which is a barrier to use of assistive devices (Noble & Sweeney 2020).

Data from OSHA and the Worker’s Compensation Research Institute shows that a workplace injury costs $38,000 or more to replace a nurse due to occupational musculoskeletal disorders. According to Thomas Waters “When is it Safe to Manually Lift a Patient?”, almost all patients require more than 35 lbs to move and thus require durable medical equipment for patient mobility. NIOSH and the National Safety Council recommend a 35-lbs lifting limit for hospital staff.

Another study is “Improving the Safety of Patient Turning and Repositioning Tasks for Caregivers”, by Guy Fragala, PhD, PE, CSP, CSPHP; Maren Fragala, PhD, CSCSD.

Product Materials

EasyShift Brochure
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EasyShift Clinical White Paper
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Pressure Mapping
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Clinical Literature

Barriers to the Use of Assistive Devices in Patient Handling

Noble & Sweeney, 2020.

The purpose of this study was to assess barriers to the use of assistive devices in safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) that contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in health care workers. Interpersonal, situational, organizational, and environmental influences have both direct and indirect effects on workers’ commitment to use, or their actual likelihood of using, assistive devices. This study confirmed that time constraints contribute to fewer instances of assistive device use.

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What Does a Workplace Injury Cost?

R.Gagne, EET, CFE, NADEP

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Labor determined that there were 4.6 injuries per 100 fulltime employees in the workplace. Injured employees required an average of 19 therapy visits (Worker’s Compensation Research Institute). A work-related injury resulted in an average loss of approximately $38,000 including wages, productivity loss and medical expenses (National Safety Council, 2005). Furthermore, the National Safety Council documented that the longer you wait to treat worker’s compensation injuries, the greater the cost.

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When is it Safe to Manually Lift a Patient?

Thomas R. Waters, PhD

In 1994 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation – an ergonomics assessment tool that can be used to calculate the recommended weight limit for two-handed manual-lifting tasks. However, NIOSH excluded assessment of patient-handling tasks from the uses of the revised equation, arguing that such tasks involve too many variables. The equation in fact can be used to calculate a recommended weight limit for a limited range of patient-handling tasks in which the patient is cooperative and unlikely to move suddenly during the task. In general, the revised equation yields a recommended 35-lb. maximum weight limit for use in patient-handling tasks. When weight to be lifted exceeds this limit, assistive devices should be used.

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Improving the Safety of Patient Turning and Repositioning Tasks for Caregivers

Guy Fragala, PhD, PE, CSP, CSPHP; Maren Fragala, PhD, CSCSD

Current evidence demonstrates why turning and positioning patients in bed presents a serious occupational risk of musculoskeletal disorders for caregivers. Results of the laboratory study investigating a new method of turning and positioning patients in bed are presented. The study was designed to evaluate how this new method reduced the risk of occupational musculoskeletal disorders to caregivers and may improve outcomes for patients. [Workplace Health Saf 2014;62(7):268-273.]

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

How many staff do you need to operate EasyShift?

One caregiver for most patients. We recommend two caregivers for high acuity patients and patients above 350 lbs.

Bed and Mattress

Does EasyShift replace my current mattress?

No, EasyShift is a mattress overlay that works with all 36″ wide hospital mattress surfaces.

What is the maximum patient weight?

480 lbs, including patient devices and accessories on the mattress.

Does the caregiver have to insert EasyShift under the patient?

No, EasyShift cushions are pre-installed on the bed before the patient arrives, and are cleaned between patients just like a regular mattress. To use the boosting function, the EasyShift Sling is inserted under the patient by utilizing the EasyShift turn. The sling can be left under the patient between uses.

Does EasyShift raise the height of the mattress?

Only by a very small amount, about 0.25 inches.

How do I clean EasyShift?

Use the same procedures you currently use for your hospital mattress covers.

Does EasyShift increase pressure under the patient?

It does not. For full reference, please download the Pressure Mapping paper.

Control Unit

Where does the air come from?

EasyShift has a Control Unit that hangs off the foot of the bed. Inside is a compressor that pumps air into the EasyShift Air Pillows when the caregiver presses the buttons. When the Air Pillows are vented, the air goes back into the accessory unit. The air does not vent inside the mattress or near the patient, only at the foot of the bed.

How big is the Control Unit?

Weighs 20 lbs, dimensions are 17”(H) x 15.5”(W) x 10”(D).

How loud is the Control Unit?

During inflation, EasyShift is under 73 dB, which is approximately the same as a dishwasher.

Service

Before every new patient, the EasyShift Overlay must be inspected for holes and tears, just like a regular mattress cover. If there are any holes or tears, do not use EasyShift for that patient and call Seneca immediately at 1-844-473-6322.

What is the service schedule for EasyShift?

Seneca recommends an annual Preventative Maintenance visit by a Seneca-certified technician.

For any issues using EasyShift, please call your maintenance team or Seneca Devices at 1-844-473-6322.