Testing of a patient lifting and transfer device

The study seeks feedback on different models of a mechanical mobility device that enables a carer to transfer a person from seat to seat. Condition, physique, age, cultural and personal preferences may influence the usability of the device for individuals. No health outcomes are to be influenced or measured in relation to the use of the device. Researchers from the company developing the device will carry out short tests with participants taking approximately 30 minutes. Participants will use the device, either as a carer lifting a person or as a person with reduced mobility being lifted. Researchers will fill out a questionnaire with participants concerning satisfaction with the device and suggested improvements. Participants will be able to choose if they would like to participate in follow-up tests with other variations of the device, or else a longer trial. In a longer trial, participants (patients and carers) would be loaned a device to use at the residence of the patient for a period of time to be agreed between the researchers and the participants, e.g. one week. Carers would be trained how to use the lifter at the beginning of the trial. Researchers would ask that the device be used alternative to the current equipment in situations where it was a practical alternative, for the duration of the trial. Participants would provide feedback at the end of the trial, based on a questionnaire. The questionnaire would query participant satisfaction with the lifter, how many times they used the lifter, why they might have chosen to use other devices during the trial, when the lifter worked well and when it didn't.