Source: Agencia CONACYT
In order to transfer patients with mobility disabilities or older adults into a hospital bed or a conventional bed in their house in a safer and more comfortable way, students of mechatronics engineering at the Technological Institute of Colima (ITEC) designed a prototype chair-table orthopedic that they called Comfortability.
The development was based a conventional wheelchair, but is able to transform into a stretcher. It can rise to the level of a hospital bed and slide laterally, thus facilitating transfer maneuvers of patients. In addition, the wheelchair- stretcher offers different angles and positions to prevent ulcers in patients who must spend long periods at rest.
ITEC professor Johann Mejias Brito, project consultant, said that it has not been found a similar device patented so far. He added that Comfortability can be operated with a remote control, designed by the students or through mobile via Internet or Bluetooth signal, so it does not require the physical presence of the operator.
According to the professor, the team conducted various economic studies for the final prototype as part of the project, estimating an average production cost of 18,600 pesos (around 970 USD). Now, they are planing to present the project to National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) to obtain funding to improve the current prototype and manufacture it with better materials.
This orthopedic equipment has the necessary hardware and functions to facilitate transferring and mobilizing patients with motor disabilities who are physically dependent on external support, said Leonid Alberto Ramos Nando, one of the authors.
Comfortability, besides preventing generation of pressure ulcers and injuries due to major efforts or poor transferring execution, reduces drug costs, nurses and orthopedic equipment, he said .
Nando Ramos explained that transferring patients can cause injuries as a result of the effort, and lack of movement creates pressure ulcers and muscular, skeletal and circulatory impairment. In addition, regarding the social aspect, traditional methods cause low self-esteem, less freedom and independence; and on the economic side, there are high expenses for special care, drugs and equipment, he said.
The wheelchair- stretcher features reclining footboard, backrest and side; side-scrolling platform; fixed or wireless control, web application, rechargeable battery and power source connection, Nando Ramos described.
The group of students aims not only to improve the prototype and business plan of the current project, but they are also seeking to patent their device with the ITEC’s support. Their idea is creating a company that sells this orthopedic equipment and other medical rehabilitation products in the future.
“We are able to create jobs, to have economic stability and help people who are bedridden or have a disability,” said Mejias Brito, who added that the market study performed suggests that Comfortability can be marketed for hospitals, clinics, sanatoriums and houses.
Source: Agencia Informativa CONACYT
