Date Approved
12-2019
Graduate Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Engineering (M.S.E.)
Degree Program
School of Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. John Farris
Second Advisor
Dr. Christopher Pung
Third Advisor
Dr. Sung-Hwan Joo
Academic Year
2019/2020
Abstract
A common task a nurse is required to perform is called boosting patients. Boosting a patient is defined as lifting or sliding a patient back up in the bed after having slid down (Mannheim, Zieve, & Conaway, 2017). The current method for boosting patients involves a minimum of two personnel and an 11-step process. The 11-step process requires the person to manually lift and pull the patient using an existing half sheet on the bed (Mannheim, Zieve, & Conaway, 2017). Patients who cannot move or support themselves are moved every two to six hours or upon request (Bihn, Rieckhoff, Burkman, & Neumann, 2018). An ideal boosting device would only require one operator, have three operating steps, use minimal manual force, and pull a patient weighing up to 500 lbs. A prototype was developed incorporating the following features: pulling strap, clamps, and brackets. The prototype was able to pull 400 lbs. during testing, only requires one operator and eliminates manual labor. The main concern of the prototype is the longevity of the device because it requires the repeated use of the hospital bed mechanics. The next steps for the device are to update materials to be lightweight or washable and design a containment unit for the straps. It is recommended to incorporate the device into new designs of hospital beds for future use.
ScholarWorks Citation
Rieckhoff, Taylor A., "The Design and Development of a Device to Assist in Boosting Patients" (2019). Masters Theses. 961.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/961
