Study of design factors for transfer-Aid equipment based on caregivers' feelings

Abstract

To avoid back injuries, caregivers are advised to use transfer-Aid equipment while transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair. Although the usage of such equipment has been recommended for several decades, it remains unpopular in several countries, including Japan. The current study investigates the feelings of caregivers regarding the usage of transfer-Aid equipment, the cause of their feelings, and the measures that can be considered in order to increase the acceptance of transfer-Aid equipment by the extensive caregiver community. The relations among the movements of users (caregivers and patients) and impressions of the caregivers regarding the equipment, while monitoring the usage of the equipment, were analyzed using Kansei engineering. The relations revealed six distinct feelings that are related to users' movements while using the equipment.