Back and Shoulder pain is a continual burden on our Canadian healthcare system and providers, whether caused by patient transfers or simply working at a height that is not ergonomic while interacting or providing care for a patient. In recent years, Canadian hospitals are making huge strides in improving staff ergonomics using height-adjustable workspaces. 

The Statistics:

It has long been known that healthcare workers are at a higher risk of injury than in other occupations, and a 2023 study by WorkSafeBC¹ shows that in the Province of British Columbia, Healthcare and Social services employ 13% of the workforce, while representing 23% of injury claims overall.  Of those injury claims, over 17% were reported as back strain, with a further 34.5% as "Other Strains". These Injuries can lead to long-term impacts, including Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and reduced work load capacity, especially if they are recurring.

Besides these personal costs, there is also the cost to the hospital. Workplace injury claims, absenteeism due to injury, and recruitment and training of replacements are all hidden costs on a system that is already chronically understaffed. In fact, a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)² shows that in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Canadian Healthcare staff worked a total of 22.6 million overtime hours, equivalent to nearly 11,000 additional full-time jobs. 

What is being Done?

Canadian Hospitals are already making systematic changes, requiring height-adjustable work surfaces that accommodate staff of any height, rather than the classic and outdated one-size-fits-most designs, including tables, computer stations, and sinks. However, among many other spaces, emergency rooms, infusion clinics, and dialysis centres have been providing the benefit of a height-adjustable recliner, where the patient can be raised to your level, making it easier to insert IV lines, access ports for dialysis, or be prepared for an examination when combined with a lay-flat function, reducing the need for a transfer from recliner to exam table. 

Standard Recliner Styles

One such chair is the Connect Electric Recliner, which is a proven favourite in Canadian hospitals for the way it combines height adjustability with an easy-to-use pendant for positioning. The full electronic system allows any patient to change the position of the chair to one that is most comfortable for them at the press of a button, reducing the need for a staff member to help patients who have limited mobility. The seat height adjusts from 18" to 31", allowing for easy transfers from wheelchairs or stretchers, as well as creating a surface that can be set to the perfect height for your staff to interact with the patient. 

The Model shown on the right includes a few key optional accessories:

• ✅Fold-down arm for easier patient transfers
• ✅Flip-Swivel-Lock Side Table offers a surface for patient devices or replaces a seperate mayo stand
• ✅Heated seat and lumbar keep patients warm throughout their stay
• ✅Continuous footrest reduces pinch points behind the patient's legs and is easier to clean
• ✅Rigid Polyester Armcaps protect the arms of your chair from damage resulting from bumps into equipment, wheelchairs, and rollators

Like the Connect, but you would prefer to be independent of a wall outlet or prepared for a power outage? The  Connect Hydraulic Recliner offers similar styling and functionality, but with a manual control system. The Footrest is adjusted with a lever, and the backrest with a finger pull, much like our other standard recliners. The main difference is the pump pedal on the left side, which is used to manually adjust the hydraulic cylinder, raising and lowering the chair. Unlike the Electric version, this cannot be done by the patient, but still allows for excellent patient positioning for staff.  The image on the left is also shown with the optional continuous footrest, fold-down arm, and arm caps as described on the Electric Connect. 

Interested in learning more about our offerings? Contact our sales team at inquiries@statmedicalcanada.com, or call us toll-free at 866.783.4076.

References:
1. WorkSafeBC 2023 Statistics Report p. 78

2. CIHI Overtime Hours Worked Hospital 2023-2024 Data Tables - Direct link to the XLSX report Here: (XLSX)