22.07.2024
The care sector faces numerous challenges, of which the physical strain on care staff is one of the greatest. This could change with the introduction of exoskeletons: This technology provides support for the musculoskeletal system and could help to improve the health and efficiency of care workers. In an interview with Tanja Pollak from Pflegepraxiszentrum Nürnberg, we find out more about the use and benefits of these innovative aids.
What are exoskeletons and how do they work?
Tanja Pollak: Exoskeletons come in different designs. For example, a kidney belt, similar to what we know from motorcycling, is also known as an exoskeleton. However, there are also products that you put on like a rucksack and have elastomer connections, elastic bands or struts from the shoulder to the ankle.
What exactly can an exoskeleton do and what is it used for?
Tanja Pollak: Exoskeletons are structures that are worn on the body to support the musculoskeletal system during certain body movements or postures. Ultimately, exoskeletons support your own strength during movements, when you hold something or when you bend over. For example, if you don't pick up a box of water as you should, i.e. you don't bend your knees but bend over, an exoskeleton can support this upward movement.
What is the difference between active and passive exoskeletons?
Tanja Pollak: While passive exoskeletons mainly consist of elastic bands and have rails or weights, active exoskeletons have an active drive component. This means that they are controlled mechanically and some even have sensors. Passive exoskeletons are really only controlled by the patient's own physical strength.
Exoskeletons in use at the Nuremberg Care Practice Center - standard or test phase?
Tanja Pollak: In fact, both. We carried out a trial at the NürnbergStift and worked with passive exoskeletons. Around 50 employees were interested, but not all of them could be included in the trial. We have now purchased exoskeletons for 20 interested people, meaning that we have a total of around 25 exoskeletons in use. We also use them for workshops and training courses.
What specific examples of use are there for exoskeletons?
Tanja Pollak: In our trial, care staff reported that they use the exoskeletons for positioning and transfers, for example, to move patients from bed to wheelchair or vice versa. Exoskeletons are also used to put on compression stockings or for general personal hygiene. One manager reported that she likes to wear the exoskeleton while sitting at her desk and doing documentation work.
What challenges are there when introducing exoskeletons?
Tanja Pollak: First of all, of course, there is the funding and acceptance of the devices. Some of the active exoskeletons are still very bulky and have many components that could cause injury. Employees' personal preferences also play a role. Some simply don't like wearing something extra on their body.
Can exoskeletons counteract the shortage of skilled workers?
Tanja Pollak: It is important to use technologies such as exoskeletons to keep existing nursing staff healthy and make the job more attractive. Regardless of whether it's just exoskeletons or other technologies, nursing staff need to be supported so that the workforce can be maintained.
The interview was conducted by Dr. Tanja Jovanovic, Head of Marketing and Innovation Management, Member of the Management Board at Bayern Innovativ GmbH.
Exoskeletons: the future of care relief?
According to DAK-Gesundheit, sick leave due to the musculoskeletal system is the second most common cause of absenteeism in Germany. Exoskeletons could be part of the solution to alleviate this situation. Physical relief would be a sensible measure, especially in the very demanding care sector. Listen to the podcast with Dr. Tanja Jovanovic and Tanja Pollak from PPZ Nuremberg to find out what this could look like.
