Effectiveness of Installing Overhead Ceiling Lifts

Abstract

The effectiveness of replacing floor lifts with mechanical ceiling lifts was evaluated in the extended care unit of a British Columbia hospital. Sixty-five ceiling lifts were installed between April and August 1998. Injury data were abstracted from injury reports for all staff musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) occurring in the unit during a 3 year period prior to installation and a 1.5 year follow up period. Descriptive statistics were calculated for injuries pre- versus post-installation. Rates were calculated as number of injuries per 100,000 worked hours. Rates for three pre- and three post-installation intervals were compared using Poisson regression. The rate of MSI caused by lifting/transferring patients was significantly reduced (58% reduction, p = .011) after installation, but rates of all MSI and MSI caused by repositioning did not statistically decline (p > .05). Further follow up is necessary to determine whether or not ceiling lifts also can be effective for decreasing injuries related to repositioning patients on this unit.