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What are the Impacts of a Ceiling Lift System?

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Services - Planning

PLANNING

Planning to make significant changes in the physical building or the care routines in any healthcare facility is a complex exercise that involves many people. Planning to achieve those changes while also improving quality of care and staff safety may seem overwhelming. However, with the right patient handling solution based on ceiling lift system installation, all of the goals can be achieved and a return on investment demonstrated.

"Return on Investment" is a collection of factors, all of which are critical to a well managed operation. The following questions are important for any facility or organization planning ceiling lift systems as part of their patient care and staff safety programs:

Financial: Can we afford it and will it pay for itself? What savings can we expect to make in comparison to the cost of the system? What is the evidence of payback periods from other comparable facilities?

Effectiveness: How much would ceiling lifts contribute to achieving our goals for management of our human resources and for quality of patient care? Is there any evidence that the indirect, direct and opportunity costs will be outweighed by decreased injury, orientation or training costs?

Efficiency: Is this the best value for our available resources? Is there a better way for us to reduce costs and improve quality of care for this investment of funds?

Impact: Will the benefits justify the overall costs? Is there evidence of other benefits e.g. social, physical etc that would fit with our goals?

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CEILING LIFT SYSTEM


Ease of Use

  • Simple product design that makes sense to users
  • Easy to learn and operate
  • Configurations that meet the patients needs without overcapacity
  • Design drawings that clearly illustrate function for staff
  • Design and construction that Maintenance can endorse
  • Clear training and user instruction materials
  • Sling design that facilitates care needs and comfort

Quality and Expectation of Longevity

  • Warranty periods appropriate for the type of equipment
  • Sling construction that will stand up to commercial laundering
  • Solid construction/parts that will stand up to daily industrial use
  • References from users with at least 3 years history with product
Safety
  • CSA and /or UL approved safety features
  • Meets OHSPD certification specifications
  • Meets seismic standards and regulations
  • Systems installed by qualified, experienced personnel

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SERVICE PROVIDER

  • Knowledge of patient handling issues
  • Planning and design which focuses on client needs
  • Experience with privacy curtain issues and solutions
  • Ability to advise on custom sling requirements and design
  • Turnkey installations incorporating staff input
  • Customization to facility and client needs when needed
  • Maintenance service contracts
  • Timely access to reasonably priced parts
  • Training care staff, Maintenance, families if needed

 

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS


Patient Care
Immediate and long-term uses and needs, setting (home, institution), program requirements

Staff Care
Staff input and assessment of needs, training requirements, ease of use

Structural/Engineering
Room layouts, structural requirements, track configurations/mounting

Mechanical
Sprinkler location, bathroom ceilings, smoke detectors, door headers, privacy curtains

Electrical
Lighting, electrical capacities and outlets

Products and Services
Warranties, customization, consultations, installation, training, ongoing support