Why Are Available Lifting Hoists Not Always Used?
In one nursing home, a hydraulic lifting hoist was available in every ward, but was seldom used. Most of the lifts were done manually by one or two staff members. Staff gave the following reasons for not using the lifting hoist: • the hoist was not available • it took too much time (nurses had to walk to storage room to get the hoist, and it took extra time to apply • the slings and transfer the patient) lack of staffing jerky, pumping movement required to raise and lower the hoist • sling was difficult to apply • small wheels made hoist difficult to push and steer • confined spaces and uneven floor heights also made the hoist hard to steer. NOTE: When a lifting hoist is purchased, staff must be trained about how and when to use it. For example, staff must know which patients require a lifting hoist and how to apply the sling. If staff members do not feel comfortable using the equipment, they will not use it.
