Improving Wheelchair Transfers: Usability Study of a Robotic Transfer System.

Abstract

Transfers between wheelchairs and beds pose injury risks to users and caregivers, with conventional devices often inefficient and unsafe. The Powered Personal Transfer System (PPTS)-a no-lift solution integrating an Electric Powered Wheelchair (EPW) and hospital bed-aims to improve safety and efficiency. This study evaluated (1) the usability of the PPTS compared with current transfer methods, (2) whether design refinements, including a docking station for EPW positioning, reduced workload, and (3) whether EPW modifications affected indoor mobility functionality. Cross-sectional usability study. Simulated bedroom laboratory. Participants viewed a short instructional video, performed transfers using the PPTS, and completed validated usability measures comparing the PPTS with their usual transfer methods. System Usability Scale (SUS), Usability Scale for Assistive Technology (USAT), NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for mobility ease. The PPTS achieved excellent usability. SUS scores were higher than current methods (users: 90 vs 63.4, p < .01; caregivers: 82.5 vs 62.5, p = .013). The docking station reduced mental workload (p < .001). Mobility tasks were rated easy (median VAS >8.5). PPTS demonstrated excellent usability, and outperformed existing transfer methods, offering a promising, safe, and efficient no-lift transfer solution.