Patient transport remains a significant challenge for healthcare facilities, impacting staff well-being and patient comfort. Staff often experience fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries from manually pushing patients in traditional wheelchairs and transport chairs. Additionally, patients who require frequent transport can experience discomfort and shear injuries due to improper seating and prolonged time in rigid-framed wheelchairs. One hospital with over 1000 beds, sought to improve both patient and staff experiences by trialing Powered Drive Transport Chairs.

Challenges Faced

The hospital had been using a mix of standard wheelchairs and transport chairs, but they encountered the following issues:

• Staff Injury and Fatigue: Manual pushing of heavier patients caused strain and increased workplace injuries.
• Patient Comfort & Safety: Prolonged use of traditional wheelchairs led to increased pressure-related injuries and discomfort.
• Limited Mobility for Heavier Patients: Traditional wheelchairs often had a weight limit of 100–150kg, restricting patient access to suitable transport.
• Navigation in Tight Spaces: Pushing transport chairs around tight hospital corners and up ramps proved difficult, especially when managing multiple patients.

Solution:

Implementing the Powered Drive Transport Chair To address these challenges, the hospital introduced Powered Drive Transport Chairs, significantly reducing manual handling risks for staff while ensuring effortless, smooth transport for patients of all sizes. These chairs offered an intelligent power-assisted system, allowing staff to manoeuvre patients with minimal effort. The chairs also had a safe working load of over 300kg, providing an inclusive transport option for all patients.

Results & Key Benefits

After six months of implementation, the hospital recorded significant improvements:

1. Reduced Manual Handling Injuries
2. Workplace injury reports related to patient transport decreased by 60%.
3. Staff reported less physical fatigue, leading to improved morale and efficiency.
4. Enhanced Patient Comfort & Safety
5. The powered drive system allowed for smoother acceleration and braking, reducing jarring movements that could aggravate injuries.
6. Increased Efficiency & Time Savings
7. Staff could transport patients more efficiently, reducing the time required per transfer.
8. The ability to navigate tight hospital spaces and inclines improved efficiency by 40% in patient transport.
9. Broader Patient Accessibility
10. Heavier patients who previously needed larger wheelchairs could now be safely transported in a single chair solution.
11. Patients with mobility limitations benefited from the ease of use and additional support features.
12. Adaptability to Different Environments
13. The battery life enabled up to 15km of continuous travel, ensuring all-day use without frequent recharging.

Cost vs. Long-Term Benefits

Although the hospital initially considered the higher upfront cost, they quickly recognised the significant return on investment. The long-term benefits—such as reduced staff injuries, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced patient care—far outweighed the initial expense, making it a valuable addition to their transport solutions. The reduction in staff injuries, lower maintenance costs compared to traditional transport chairs, and increased patient satisfaction justified the expenditure.

Conclusion

The introduction of Powered Drive Transport Chairs revolutionised patient transport at the hospital. By prioritising staff safety, patient comfort, and operational efficiency, the hospital saw tangible benefits that far surpassed the initial cost. This case study demonstrates how investing in innovative transport solutions can lead to better healthcare outcomes and a safer working environment for all involved.

Recommendation

For facilities seeking to enhance patient transport, investing in Powered Drive Transport Chairs delivers tangible cost savings, superior patient care, and a safer, more efficient working environment for healthcare professionals. By integrating these advanced transport solutions, facilities can foster a culture of safety, efficiency, and enhanced patient experience. If your organisation is dealing with high injury rates or struggling with patient transport efficiency, it may be time to consider upgrading to a Powered Drive Transport Chair.