The NIOSH lifting equation, which specifies safe lifting limits to industry, disallows the current method (transfer/draw sheet) of transferring a patient from a hospital bed to a stretcher for intra- facility transport. All four nursing personnel performing this task risk permanent disability because the NIOSH-recommended weight limit for this maneuver is zero kg! A new device, the SCAT!(TM), eliminates manual lifting of patients, and requires less time and fewer personnel for the entire transfer-transport process. Its self-contained features include emergency equipment and oxygen, if needed, during patient transport. The SCAT!(TM) obviates the need for rolling IV poles to accompany the patient, as it incorporates IV stanchions as part of its framework. It eliminates back flow contamination, which may result when drainage containers are placed on or around the patient. The SCAT!(TM) can weigh patients with extreme accuracy using an industrial load cell. Features for patient safety and comfort include a privacy curtain. The SCAT!(TM) will apply to the health care and other industries. Phase I will allow fabricating and evaluating a prototype. Phase II will allow fabricating 50 units to demonstrate the benefits and advantages the SCAT!(TM) will provide in improving quality patient care within clinical facilities.PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Hospitals and other health care facilities will, by the use of SCAT!(TM),enhance quality patient care, and reduce health care worker back injury, the leading cause of health care industry Workers' Compensation claims. The SCAT!(TM) has commercial potential for hospitals, nursing homes,rehabilitation facilities, funeral homes, post-mortem facilities, and indoor/outdoor sports facilities.National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
