The Hidden Risk of Wheelchair Use

Not knowing how to unfold or even sit in a wheelchair the right way can cause catastrophic injury patients, visitors, volunteers, and staff of healthcare facility. Wheelchairs are one most common assistive devices used facilities, from admission discharge. They often found at entrance facility for use by both patients visitors with mobility issues. Hospital transport staff, clinical wheelchairs take different care areas have tests performed. Many facilities require that be transported upon However, not proper method unfolding where place your hands when sitting down seat injuries, specifically fingers, ranging lacerations amputations. An analysis reports Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS*) over past decade identified 12 adverse events related finger injuries involving inpatient outpatient settings. Additionally, U.S. Food Drug Administration’s Manufacturer User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) reporting system, which “houses medical device submitted FDA mandatory reporters (manufacturers, importers user facilities) voluntary such as health professionals, consumers,” contains hundreds dating back 2012. These indicate kinds (e.g., manual, bariatric, transport, motorized) myriad manufacturers associated these injuries. Although type mechanism reported varies head sustained tipping laceration screw, numerous involved focus this safety announcement.