Preliminary evaluation of an automated robotic transfer assist device in the home setting

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of six weeks of routine use of a novel robotic transfer device, the AgileLife Patient Transfer System, on mobility-related health outcomes, task demand, and satisfaction relative to previous transfer methods.

Materials and Methods

Six end users and five caregivers used the system in their homes for six weeks. Participants completed several surveys examining perceived demands related to preparing and performing a transfer and mobility-related health outcomes pre and post intervention. Participants were also asked about their satisfaction with using the technology compared to previous transfer methods.

Results

Both end users and caregivers reported reduction in perceived physical demand (p = 0.007) and work (p ≤ 0.038) when preparing for and performing a transfer. End users indicated that the device intervention had a positive impact, indicating some improvements to health-related quality of life as well as improved competence, adaptability, and self-esteem post-intervention. All participants were highly likely to recommend the technology to others.

Conclusion

The AgileLife Patient Transfer System is a promising new form of transfer technology that may improve the mobility and mobility-related health of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers in home settings.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Robotic transfer assistance reduced physical demand and work among end users and caregivers.

• The robotic device had a positive impact on some quality of life outcomes after 6 weeks of use.

• Users were highly likely to recommend the robotic transfer device to others.

Keywords:

• Biomedical technology assessment
• wheelchairs
• caregivers
• assistive technology

Disclosure statement

The contents of this paper do not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this project was provided by the National Institute of Health Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIR) Phase II [Grant Number R44HD085702-1]. Additional support was provided by National Institutes of Health support through Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) at the University of Pittsburgh [Grant number UL1-TR-001857].