Increased proficiency in operational methods of care using a transfer support device in nursing homes

Abstract Background: The introduction of nursing care-support devices using robotic technology is expected to reduce the task burden in long-term care facilities. But the implementations are not proceeding as expected. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the sustained use of the "Hug," a "hugging" type transfer support device, could increase the proficiency level of care operation using Hug in nursing homes.Methods: The effect of proficiency on using the device was examined in terms of time spent for transfer assistance, ratio of transfers using the device, and range of target care recipients. The results were compared between care facilities that had been using the device for >24 months (skilled facility) and those introducing it for the first time (unskilled facility). The data were obtained before and at 2 and 5 weeks after its introduction in the unskilled facility.Results: As a result, transfer time at the unskilled facility, which was 4.6 min in the 2nd week, was reduced to 3.0 min in the 5th week. Conversely, it was 1.5 min on average at the skilled facility. The usage ratio at the unskilled facility was 13% in the 2nd week and 30% in the 5th week, while it was 97% in the skilled facility. Furthermore, we identified an increase in the range of target care recipients in the skilled facility.Conclusion: It takes time to master the use of Hug; however, its use was associated with many positive aspects, especially from the perspective of care recipients, e.g., better care, use of their own legs during transfers, and reduced time for transfers, which was accomplished through mature care operation by mastering the use of Hug. These findings suggest that the widespread use of Hug would improve the quality of care at care facilities.Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry Nos. UMIN000039203 and UMIN000039204; Date of registration: January 21, 2020 (Retrospectively registered); interventional study; parallel, non-randomized, single blinded. URL of trial registry records: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000044708https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000044709