Exoskeleton Technology For Patient Handling And Surgical Support

There is a developing trend of occupational exoskeletons finding a home in medical facilities. Taking care of others is neither cheap nor easy. Nurses and caregivers who engage in patient transfer and handling are perpetually at risk of career-ending injuries.

When one thinks of a “medical exoskeleton,” one typically thinks of a physical augmentation device worn by a patient. Occupational exoskeletons are usually found in factories and warehouses. However, occupational wearables for medical staff are devices meant to ease the burdens of caregivers, nurses, and doctors. They are positioned at the intersection between medical and industrial devices but the community considers them to be occupational wearable ergonomic solutions used within a medical setting.

Taking Care Of People Is Physically Demanding:

What is the problem we are trying to solve? Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics data for 2023, hospital workers and nursing and residential care facilities had double the average nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses. Liberty Mutual Insurance estimates that the U.S. Healthcare and Social Assistance industry loses nearly $6.2 billion per year due to serious, nonfatal workplace injuries, 34% of which are due to overexertion of handling objects and awkward postures. These injuries are more than just painful episodes that require treatment and time away from work. They represent careers that are terminated too early due to excessive pain and fatigue.

Why Not Use Automation?

How complicated is it to create a lift that moves patients and supports surgeons in the age of machines and automation? The reality is machines require space to operate effectively. Think of the last time you were in a hospital or visited a grandparent. Imagine all the furniture, medical equipment, cables, tubes, and monitors. Furthermore, each room is configured differently. This dynamic environment does not make it impossible, but it is challenging. This is why a more personal, wearable solution could be appropriate where cranes and lifts can’t be used.

What Medical Occupational Exoskeleton Solutions Are There:

Lower Back Support Exoskeletons

Lifting heavy objects, especially other people, to help with transfer or tasks of everyday living like bathing can cause tremendous stress on the spine and back. Over the last few years, industrial exoskeleton companies have been adapting and redesigning occupational exoskeletons that generally would be found in warehouses. The new models tend to have more handles and are more resistant to the potent cleaning agents used in healthcare. Not all occupational back support exoskeletons and exosuits need to have a model designed exclusively for healthcare, but the time and investment by some wearable producers demonstrates the rise of interest in this healthcare application.

Neck Support Exoskeletons

Leaning forward for a prolonged time can also cause excessive pain or fatigue in the back and neck. If you or a loved one are being operated on, you would probably want their surgeon to focus on the operation and not the physical discomfort they might feel from performing a prolonged procedure. Just like the name suggests, neck support exoskeletons are a type of wearable that provides an alternative pathway away from the neck to compensate for gravity when leaning forward.

Shoulder Support Exoskeletons

Surgeons, dentists, and certain specialists can spend hours in a position with their arms stretched forward. Shoulder support exos can be appropriate to mitigate this. These exoskeletons don’t just redistribute the weight around but reduce the moment arm generated by outstretched arms position.

Leg Support Exoskeleton

Surgeons can’t exactly pull up a stool and sit down whenever they want to, but with some leg exoskeleton, they can. Made by only a handful of companies, these devices are already being used in some surgery rooms to allow the staff to “sit” in place while focusing on their work.

Occupational exoskeletons for healthcare professionals are an emerging trend, and only time will tell if this is a golden application similar to spreadsheets and gaming for popularizing personal computers. They are meant to combat repetitive movements, physical overloading, prolonged standing, the need to maintain non-ergonomic positions, and muscle fatigue for healthcare workers.