Posted on: October 4, 2023
Paying attention to the physical burden on colleagues in healthcare is extremely important, especially in long-term care and with the demand for care becoming increasingly demanding. That is why Pieter van Foreest, together with knowledge organization Vilans, TU Delft and auntLouise, Laurens and Thuiszorg West Brabant, started the project ‘reducing physical burden on healthcare workers’. Pieter van Foreest’s master students from the Industrial Design program at TU Delft started working at De Opmaat.
The physical burden in the work of healthcare providers is increasing due to the growing demand for more complex care and the increase in care in people’s homes. Fortunately, there are already various solutions that can alleviate physical strain. Such as a lift-transfer lift, an exoskeleton and aids for putting on and taking off support stockings. But this is not enough and many other types of solutions are potentially possible. Such as getting clients to exercise more or scheduling differently.
(New) perspectives
15 master students from the Industrial Design program at TU Delft will investigate the problem of physical strain and develop concepts to reduce this problem. This takes into account both the intramural situation, in a residential care complex and care at home. Last Friday, September 8, was the kick-off of this project. Vilans researcher Bart van Mierlo says: ‘We are of course very curious about the (new) perspectives on this problem and the associated concepts. We are happy in advance with this unique collaboration. Certainly also with the affiliated healthcare providers who are prepared to accommodate the students. The project will be ready in February. We will share acquired knowledge, as you have come to expect from Vilans. To be continued.’