What are the benefits of using stretchers with powered drive assist?

Patient stretchers and trolleys with electrically powered drive assist are becoming increasingly common, and for good reason. 

In this article, we look at the benefits, as well as a couple of downsides, to implementing and using stretchers and trolleys with powered drive assist in your hospital.

Benefits of powered stretchers & trolleys

Improved manual handling and safety for staff

The average hospital stretcher weighs in the region of 150kg. Add an average patient weight of 78kg, and this means that porters are pushing approximately 228kg when moving a stretcher or trolley around the hospital. When you consider how often patients are transported around a hospital on a daily basis, the obvious strain of this can cause musculoskeletal strain and injury amongst portering and nursing staff.

By using powered stretchers and trolleys, the physical strain is taken off the staff member, reducing the risk of injury and making their job that bit easier!

Better patient comfort and experience

The use of powered stretchers and trolleys also results in a smoother, more comfortable experience for the patient when being transported through a hospital. This increased comfort can have a positive knock-on effect on the overall well-being of patients and improve the patient experience. 

Improve efficiency

To combat the risk of strain and injury, staff will often double up when moving stretchers and trolleys around the hospital, which has a negative impact on staff resources and time efficiency.

Just one staff member can safely operate a powered stretcher, which increases staff capacity and resources, improving efficiency in your trust. 

Are there any drawbacks to implementing powered stretchers?

The additional cost is the obvious drawback of implementing powered stretchers and trolleys in your hospital. On average, a powered stretcher is likely to cost around £2000-£3000 more than a ‘standard’ stretcher of a similar spec. 

On the flip side, the benefits that powered stretchers bring in terms of increasing efficiency and reducing injuries can result in cost savings that, in the long run, will most likely outweigh the extra initial investment.

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