A Study on Psychological Effects of Using Hoists in Comparison between Using and Not Using Hoists in Home Care ―By Applying Rating Scale Method―

Abstract

Objectives: Objectives of this study was to examine psychological effects of using hoists quantitatively in comparison between using and not using hoists in home care by applying rating scale method.

Methods: (1) Subjects: Subjects were 16 hoists-users (8 hoists-users were persons to need care, 8 hoists-users were caregiver).

(2) Questionnaire form: Hoists-users were asked to choose a suitable grade in ten scales containing 5 grades for each.

(3) Methods: In order to find how the hoists-users feel while not using a hoists which is usually used in every day activities, the hoists-users who need care were taken care without hoists, at first. In reality if there is a care giver, the care giver took care of the same activities without hoists. If a hoists-user uses a hoists dependently, the investigator took care without hoists. After this, the all hoists-users were asked to assess psychological differences in comparison between using and not using hoists.

Results: (1) There was a tendency of positive feelings to use hoists in 16 conditions out of 20.

(2) There was a tendency of negative feelings, those are fear, to use hoists in 1 care giver and 2 persons to need care.

(3) There was another tendency of negative feelings, those are unwillingness, to use hoists in 1 caregiver.

In conclusion, the psychological effects of using hoists were evidenced quantitatively.