A case study from a plus-size rehabilitation unit at a Hospital in Hertfordshire, UK.
Improving plus-size patient handling
One of the inpatient rehabilitation units at Hertfordshire Community Trust in the UK has been designated the plus-size rehabilitation unit since 2018. Following a major redesign in 2021 to improve accessibility and safety, the unit saw an increase in staff injuries during moving and handling tasks. In 2024, with capacity increased to six plus-size beds, a collaborative project was launched to identify safer, more efficient solutions.
The Occupational Therapy Lead, Caroline Benton, and the Quality Lead for inpatient beds, Rose Aknai, were tasked with exploring equipment to support safer moving and handling of plus-size patients and reduce staff injuries. This initiative included root cause analysis, equipment trials, and staff training, ultimately leading to the adoption of the HoverTech Q2 Roller by Etac, a device that significantly improved patient independence, reduced handling time, and eliminated staff injuries during the trial period.
The challenge
Staff at the plus-size rehabilitation unit reported multiple injuries while assisting plus-size patients with repositioning, pad changes, and transfers to sit on the edge of the bed. Traditional equipment and staffing levels proved insufficient, particularly for patients with limited shoulder mobility.
The solution
After evaluating several options, the Q2 Roller by Etac was selected for trial. This innovative device supports patient independence and reduces the physical strain on staff during handling tasks.
Key outcomes
- Repositioning time reduced from an average of 15.9 minutes to 7.8 minutes.
- Staffing costs per task dropped by over 60%.
- Sit-on-edge-of-bed (SOEOB) transfers improved dramatically, with time reduced from 36 minutes to 4.1 minutes.
- No staff injuries were reported during the trial period.
- Positive feedback from both patients and staff highlighted improved comfort, independence, and ease of use.
Conclusion
The Q2 Roller significantly improved plus‑size patient handling within the unit, with marked reductions in task times for repositioning and sit‑on‑edge‑of‑bed transfers, and no staff injuries were reported during the trial. Patient and staff feedback was positive, noting increased comfort, greater independence, and reduced physical strain. In line with these outcomes and the report’s recommendations, HCT proposes continued use of the Q2 Roller within the unit.
Q2Roller® Lateral Turning Device
The Q2Roller is a comfortable turning aid
that makes repositioning in bed safe and
easy for both users and caregivers.
that makes repositioning in bed safe and
easy for both users and caregivers.