Survey of Patient Mobility and Lift Technologies: Toward Advancements and Standards

Published

December 6, 2006

Author(s)

Roger V. Bostelman, James S. Albus

Abstract

This survey provides a review of example off-the-shelf lift and wheelchair products on the market today. Also, it provides a review of example research in these areas including advancements in intelligent wheelchair designs and capabilities. We have focused on lift devices, wheelchairs, the combination of wheelchairs and lift devices, rehabilitation and standards. Noting that a remarkable number (1 in 3 or more) of back injuries occur in nurses and other caregivers costing $35K or more per case from picking up and placing patients, the paper lists available technology and what lacks in the limited combination of lift devices with mobility and intelligent wheelchairs for maneuvering patients.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7384

Report Number

7384

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7384

Keywords

back injuries, caregiver, intelligent wheelchair, patient lift, patient mobility, rehabilitation

Citation

Bostelman, R. and Albus, J. (2006), Survey of Patient Mobility and Lift Technologies: Toward Advancements and Standards, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7384 (Accessed October 9, 2025)