Burkman Jessica, Grindle Garrett, Wang Hongwu, Kelleher Annmarie, Cooper Rory A
Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2017 Spring;23(2):140-146. doi: 10.1310/sci2302-140.
The task of performing transfers, such as from a wheelchair to a bed, has a high risk of injury to both the caregiver and the person being transferred. Although mechanical transfer devices can reduce these risks, these devices are not meant for use in the community and they still place strain on the caregiver when used. The aim of this study is to describe feedback gathered from focus groups of potential users of the Robotic-Assisted Transfer Device (RATD) and describe design changes aimed at preparing the device for the next step in the development process. The RATD was transferred to a newer electric-powered wheelchair (EPW), key components were redesigned, and the control program was updated to increase the safety of the device. Two focus groups, one consisting of people with disabilities and the other consisting of clinicians and caregivers, were conducted to gather feedback from potential users. Error checking, safety zones, a motor brake, and a new track helped increase the safety of the device. Sixty-three percent of the people with disabilities and 83% of caregivers surveyed said they would use the device. The results from the focus groups were positive and the design changes were successful, but more development is needed before the RATD can be marketed.
进行转移操作，例如从轮椅转移到床上，对护理人员和被转移者都有很高的受伤风险。尽管机械转移设备可以降低这些风险，但这些设备并非用于社区环境，并且在使用时仍会给护理人员带来负担。本研究的目的是描述从机器人辅助转移设备（RATD）潜在用户焦点小组收集的反馈，并描述旨在使该设备为开发过程的下一步做好准备的设计变更。RATD被转移到了更新的电动轮椅（EPW）上，关键部件进行了重新设计，控制程序也进行了更新，以提高设备的安全性。进行了两个焦点小组讨论，一个由残疾人组成，另一个由临床医生和护理人员组成，以收集潜在用户的反馈。错误检查、安全区域、电动机制动器和新轨道有助于提高设备的安全性。63%的残疾人和83%接受调查的护理人员表示他们会使用该设备。焦点小组的结果是积极的，设计变更也很成功，但在RATD能够推向市场之前，还需要更多的研发工作。
