Technologically advanced, remote-controlled lift systems have recently been installed in the new Spinal Cord Injury Center at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tampa, Florida. Developed by Liko, Inc., a developer of lift systems for home, long-term care facilities, and hospital applications, the 45 custom-designed lift systems will be used to move spinal cord injury patients from hospital beds to baths and showers. This is the first system of this type in the world that incorporates multiple functions (opening doors and switches) that can be operated by a remote control.
       The custom-designed lift systems use a hand-held remote control to maneuver the patient along the rail system. The rail system is attached to the ceiling or wall and is designed to withstand weight capacities up to 440 pounds. By use of the remote control to open doors and automatic switches, the nurse can take the patient from hospital room to bathroom and back without leaving the patient. The rail system creates a seamless transition from bed to bath for the patient.
       According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, it is estimated that between 183,000 and 230,000 spinal cord injury patients are living in the United States today. They also estimate that 11,000 new spinal cord injury cases will occur each year, excluding those that result in death. Spinal cord injuries can cause either total paralysis or paralysis of the lower extremities.
       "Whereas in the past up to four nurses were required to physically move a patient, the lift and one nurse can do that work, while greatly reducing the risk of injury to nurse and patient," said Liko's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Peter Castelli. "One nurse can easily attach the patient to the lift system and then the remote control takes care of the rest."
       With recent nursing shortages in the United States, improving nursing efficiencies and reducing work-related injuries is a must. (Average age of nurses throughout the US is 43.7 years.) According to a 1994 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, back injuries accounted for 27 percent of all injuries in the private sector, and in nursing homes, they accounted for 42 percent of all injuries. Recent studies have indicated that this figure is much greater and increasing at an alarming rate.
       In Canada, where nurses' lifting limits are stricter than in the United States, lifts have been incorporated more often. According to a recent Ohio State University study, when two people shared the task of physically lifting a patient, they did not reduce their risk of injury. They also found that "no matter what method of lifting was used, lifting patients seems to impose an excessive amount of stress on the spine." They also stated that the solution might be to use mechanical devices, like the Liko lift system, to lift patients. See www.osu.edu/units/research/archive/resthome/htm for more information.
       For more information on Liko's products, call (888) 545-6671 or go to www.liko.com.