Safe patient handling

Evidence Based Practice Using Prompts to Improve Toilet Training for Children with Physical Disabilities March 30, 2023 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young girl sits on a Rifton HTS (Hygiene & Toileting System) while her therapist helps her position.
For children with multiple disabilities, toilet training is a challenging process. This whitepaper describes the effective use of prompts to shape behaviors and function during the toileting process for successful outcomes in children with physical disabilities.
Tips & Advice Solving Transfers with the Rifton TRAM January 12, 2021 by Elena Noble, MPT
A man being transferred out of a wheelchair with a Rifton TRAM
Use the TRAM to make transfers out of a wheelchair with fixed armrests.
Videos Support Station Demonstration
A young man, assisted by a caregiver, using a Rifton Support Station
Demonstration of the Support Station, a hygiene and transfer device.
News Unlikely Funding Source for Adaptive Equipment in Ohio May 14, 2019 by Elena Noble, MPT
A boy and caregiver in a classroom smile at the camera.
Employer work-place injury within schools may sound unlikely, but for those health professionals routinely assisting students with disabilities in school, it is not uncommon. In fact, the injury rate of health professionals engaging in lifts, transfers and re-positioning of patients ranks equally with those working in heavy construction settings.1,2 For this reason, in June of 2018, when the Ohio Bureau of...
How To’s Rifton E-Pacer Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Training Documents
red Rifton E-Pacer, a lift and gait training device, on a white background
The following documents have been compiled for providers, hospitals and long-term care facilities to use in the implementation of safe patient handling and movement programs with the Rifton E-Pacer. E-Pacer Evaluation Form (pdf) serves as a guide to help the clinician decide whether the Rifton E-Pacer is appropriate for a particular patient. E-Pacer Employee Competency Checklist (pdf) is for use after a E...
Tips & Advice Using Thigh Straps in Sling Configuration for Toileting or Seat-to-Seat Transfers October 08, 2018 by Barbara Stacy, PT, MOMT
A client sitting in wheelchair, while a caregiver adjusts the straps of a Rifton TRAM to prepare for a transfer.
At Desert Mountain SELPA in Apple Valley, California, we’ve discovered a creative solution for seated transfers with the TRAM. This method works really well, particularly for the more profoundly involved kids. Using the standard approach shown in the TRAM Quick Reference Guide (with a thigh strap placed separately under each leg) often results in the body support system riding up the student’s...
Webinars Introduction to the E-Pacer
A physical therapist demonstrates the Rifton E-Pacer, a device for lifting and gait training.
The Rifton E-Pacer is an exciting new addition to the Pacer family. Its sit-to-stand lift functionality removes a major barrier to gait training with large or highly dependent clients.
PT/OT Workers’ Compensation Providers and the Rifton TRAM October 03, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A therapist smiles at a young man standing in the Rifton TRAM patient lift acquired with a workers compensation grant.
Lifting and repositioning patients is a big part of healthcare, particularly for nurses and therapists. But how we do this is changing, based on the many studies that show how lifting patients manually without assistive equipment is causing staff injuries, lost days from work and decrease in care quality. The safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) approach advocates for patient lifts and mobility...
How To’s Features and Benefits of the Wave Bathing System
A caregiver holds a shower want as she prepares to bath a young boy with special needs in the Rifton Wave adaptive bathing system.
For people with significant support needs, bathing is essential to health and hygiene. However, transfer difficulties and the lack of appropriate supportive equipment often make it one of the most difficult tasks for families and caregivers. If you care for someone who needs help with transfer and you don't have an accessible shower, your options for bathing aren't great – either bathroom...
PT/OT Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes July 03, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A man with disabilities sits on a red therapy ball while PT students demonstrate a creative mobility technique.
I recently attended the APTA Next Conference in Boston. A new component to this conference is the experience zone—an education space in the exhibit hall allowing presenters to draw on resources from the show floor as part of their presentations. A great idea. I attended a course called “Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes” in the zone. Here we learned to get the most...
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