| Sumario: | A study was performed of a new bathing system regarding its capacity for offering a safe and comfortable bathing procedure for caregiver and client or resident. The system consists of a height adjustable, mobile bath chair that can be lowered into a matching height adjustable bath. The aim of the study was to assess and quantify in a reliable and valid way the time requirements, physical load (static load and maneuvering) and perceived comfort of the clients during bathing procedures. Four experienced caregivers performed 5 complete washing sessions: 1 session for each mobility level, A-E, ranging from self-reliant (A) to completely passive (E). The five "clients" were role-playing participants. The 20 sessions were analysed using multi-moment analysis (MMA) with images captured by 2 video cameras. The results were compared to those reported in the literature and to ergonomic standards for static load and maneuvering. Forces required for maneuvering the bathing chair were also measured. Its use is safe under the reasonable circumstances that occur in health care in a bathing environment. Force measurements did not exceed those recommended in international standards. Also, with respect to maneuvering, we recommend optimal instruction to avoid inappropriate ways of maneuvering, as this will increase the forces exerted substantially. It appeared that for this bathing system the static load was within biomechanical limits. It was also clear that the time required and static load depend less on the mobility of the client, but more on the skill level, experience, manner of working, and sensitivity to time pressure of the caregiver. This underlines the importance of instruction, training, performance feedback, and coaching on the job to make optimal use of devices like this. However, it is important to keep in mind that these caregivers worked for the first time with this equipment. It is likely that their future scores will be better than the ones registered now. Due to the small number of clients and caregivers in this study, generalization to other situations and persons must be done with caution. Further research will give more insight into the challenges and potential of this type of equipment. For the time being it can conclude that this bathing system offers a promising new addition to the range of equipment enabling a safe and comfortable bathing procedure for both caregiver and client.
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