Usefulness of simulation method to improve efficiency of chair-to-wheelchair transfer of patients performed by caregivers

[Purpose] We aimed to clarify whether demonstration and simulated experience help the ability of care-receivers to get transferred, such as from the bed to the commode. [Participants and Methods] Participants included 28 nurses and 17 caregivers (34 females and 11 males). We developed a total floor reaction force measurement device to quantify the total loading level of care-receivers and caregivers and force shoes to quantify the loading level of the caregivers. Using these instruments, we constructed a system to measure the load on the lower limbs of the care-receivers during partial assistance. We divided the participants into the control, demonstration, and simulated experience method groups. We examined the differences in the load on the lower limbs before and after the intervention. [Results] The loads on the lower limbs of care-receivers when their buttocks were lifted from the chair were 11.7 ± 69.6, 61.8 ± 79.4, and 101.0 ± 104.0 N in the control, demonstration, and simulated experience groups. [Conclusion] These data suggest that the simulated experience method could help make use of the ability of the care-receiver to get transferred. Even care workers for the sanatorium-type sickbeds could learn to utilize the physical ability of the care-receivers using simulated experience.