Abstract
To clarify the types of care support equipment that have been introduced into and are used in care facilities, and the training for care staff that use the equipment, we conducted a questionnaire survey by postal mail on all intensive care homes for the elderly, long-term health care facilities, and support facilities for persons with disabilities (311 facilities) in Prefecture A. The results revealed that the highest implementation rate was for sliding boards (52.1%), while that for wearable support suits for the transfer of clients was 2.7%. The highest accident rate was 40.0% for bed-leaving sensor mats that detect weight removal. Of 61 pieces of equipment, manuals for 41 (63.1%) had not been made at all facilities and training levels varied by facility and type of equipment, from “listening to the explanation from the supplier of the equipment and making use optional” to “preparing a manual, explaining the device to all staff members, conducting practical skills tests, and allowing use by those who pass the test.” Hence, it is essential to develop equipment use manuals and check sheets to evaluate the skill levels of care staff, and establish training systems matched to the human and physical environments of each institution.
