Mechanical lifting devices – such as ceiling lifts – have been put into use to reduce healthcare worker injuries related to patient handling. OHSAH has been involved in a multi-study project in collaboration with Vancouver Coastal Health to examine whether ceiling lifts have an impact on patient care and the safety of healthcare workers in their workplace.

The objectives of this study are to:

1. Examine the impact of ceiling lifts on patient comfort
2. Assess the use of ceiling lifts and identify key barriers to their use and achieved successes
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of a ceiling lift coaching program
4. Analyze costs and benefits associated with implementation of the ceiling lift program

Currently, two studies have been completed in line with these research objectives.

Study 1
The first study examined the relationship between ceiling lift coverage rates and measures of quality of care and patient perceptions of mechanical lifting devices. We measured the relationship between ceiling lift coverage and the incidence of facility-acquired pressure ulcers, falls, and assaults (patient to staff) in acute and extended care facilities. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to explore patient satisfaction with the care they received using ceiling lifts in an extended care facility. The results indicated that the majority of patients preferred ceiling lifts over floor lifts and ceiling lifts had no significant negative effects on patient outcome.

Study 2
The second study measured patient transfer and repositioning time using ceiling lifts, floor lifts, and manual methods, staff perceptions of mechanical devices, and patient comfort levels. Ceiling lifts required less time for patient transfer, were perceived as less physically strenuous for staff, and were more comfortable for patients.

VCH developed a ceiling lift coaching program to increase use of ceiling lifts for a wider range of tasks in facilities where they had been installed. Although staff frequently use ceiling lifts for patient transfers, ceiling lifts are seldom used for other tasks such as repositioning or dressing residents. The ceiling lift coaching program involves training staff members on how to use ceiling lifts. These ‘peer coaches’ return to their facilities where they can pass on that knowledge to the rest of the staff. Pre- and post-intervention data is collected on ceiling lift use and staff perceptions.

Two series of coaching sessions have already been completed ( see Evaluation of the Ceiling Lift Pilot Coaching Program) and pre-intervention data has been collected at seven facilities. OHSAH is currently working on analyzing the pre-intervention data and will be collecting the post-intervention data in spring 2009 (This project is grant-funded by WorkSafeBC.) OHSAH is also conducting a cost-benefit analysis to estimate the payback period and return on investment for the health authority from the ceiling lift installation program. An analysis of the costs and benefits associated with the coaching program is also being conducted.

It is intended that this project will support evidence-based decision making and practice related to patient handling in BC’s healthcare workplaces. The success of this project will be measured by a decrease in injury rates and an improvement in staff comfort and use and acceptance of ceiling lifts.

Related Resources

Assistive Devices and Patient Handling Research Update: Evaluation of Ceiling Lifts Scientific Poster: Using a Ceiling Lift Takes Too Long! Does it Really?

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