The Role of Mobile Floor-Based Lifts in a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program

Mobile floor-based lifts (MFBLs) have been and still are the backbone of many successful safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs. Consisting of 2 groups of equipment (full-body lifts and sit-to-stand lifts) these technologies have the ability to be used in almost all clinical areas and with most patients. This article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of both types of MFBLs, the tasks that can be undertaken by both, the patient groups they are most suitable for, the safety issues that need to be considered when operating both types of MFBLs, and where they sit within the continuum of SPHM and a wider program initiative.

Monaghan HM

Keywords: mobile floor-based lifts, safe patient handling and mobility, early mobility, technology, equipment, safety, sit-to-stands, full-body lifts