Footswitches and hand controls in patient handling applications

In healthcare settings, patient handling is a critical aspect of care, especially in environments like hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centres. The physical act of moving patients - whether helping them get into a comfortable position, transferring them from a bed to a wheelchair, or repositioning them during treatment - requires precision, sensitivity and safety. Medical peripherals, such as footswitches and hand controls, play a pivotal role in improving the efficiency, comfort and safety of both healthcare workers and patients during these procedures.

The role of footswitches and hand controls

Footswitches and hand controls allow healthcare workers to interact with medical machinery without needing to physically touch or manually adjust settings. These devices are essential in patient handling applications because they provide greater control over patient movement and reduce physical strain, contributing to more ergonomic and effective workflows. Footswitches are commonly used for controlling hospital beds, surgical tables, treatment chairs and other equipment, while hand controls are often used for adjusting bed positions, controlling lifting mechanisms or regulating the height of patient chairs.

Key benefits of footswitches and hand controls

1. Ergonomics and reduced physical strain

Lifting or adjusting patients can be physically demanding, with repeated bending, lifting and manipulating potentially causing musculoskeletal strain and an increased risk of injury. By using footswitches and hand controls, workers can operate patient handling equipment without needing to perform awkward movements. For example, instead of manually repositioning a hospital bed, the worker can adjust the bed’s height or angle with a footswitch or hand control.

2. Increased control and precision

Patient handling tasks often require high precision, especially when transferring patients or adjusting them to avoid discomfort or pressure sores. Footswitches and hand controls offer smooth and precise movements, ensuring that the healthcare worker can make subtle adjustments to patient positioning.

For instance, with a footswitch, a nurse may gradually raise or lower the bed without the risk of overextending, ensuring that the patient is comfortably and safely positioned. The immediate responsiveness of these controls helps healthcare workers make real-time adjustments to prevent harm and discomfort.

3. Improved infection control

Hand hygiene is critical in healthcare settings, where cross-contamination can lead to the spread of infections. Footswitches allow healthcare workers to control medical devices without using their hands. This minimises the need to touch surfaces or equipment that may harbour harmful pathogens, contributing to a cleaner and more hygienic environment. Similarly, hand controls are designed with easily cleanable surfaces, ensuring that any contact made is minimal and does not hinder infection control protocols.

4. Enhanced patient safety and comfort

Footswitches and hand controls can be used to manage patient comfort during transportation, positioning or therapy. With easy-to-use controls, healthcare workers can adjust the patient's position on beds, chairs and other equipment without causing abrupt movements, which could be painful or disorienting for patients, particularly those with limited mobility or severe medical conditions.

Moreover, these controls help maintain patient dignity, as healthcare providers can work discreetly and efficiently, minimising unnecessary handling or discomfort during the process.

5. Efficiency in care delivery

In a busy healthcare environment, time is of the essence. Footswitches and hand controls enable healthcare workers to focus more on the patient rather than struggling with manual adjustments of medical equipment. This results in faster procedures, reducing the time spent on tasks such as repositioning patients or transferring them from one area to another.

Applications of footswitches and hand controls in patient handling

1. Hospital Beds: One of the most common applications of footswitches and hand controls is in the adjustment of hospital beds. With a footswitch or hand control, nurses and caregivers can adjust the height, angle and position of a bed to suit the patient's needs, whether they need to be elevated for comfort or positioned for medical treatments.
2. Patient lifts and hoists: Patient lifts and hoists are essential for safely transferring individuals with limited mobility. Footswitches and hand controls are often used to operate these systems, with examples including inflatable cushions to assist patients with getting in and out of the bath; ceiling and mobile hoists to reduce the risk and strain on caregivers; and vacuum cushions for positioning patients in oncology treatment scanners.
3. Examination chairs: Footswitches and hand controls are also used for controlling examination and treatment chairs. These devices allow for adjustments such as reclining or elevating footrests, lowering or raising the chair’s height, and other positioning changes, all while ensuring comfort and safety.

By prioritising ergonomics, precision and hygiene, footswitches and hand controls support safer patient handling practices. From rehabilitation centres to high-dependency hospital wards, these controls are a link between human care and advanced medical technology.

Herga Technology designs and manufactures a range of footswitches and hand controls for patient positioning applications. This includes the waterproof 6451 Pneumatic Hand Control, available in 2, 4 & 6 button variants; the 6450 Pneumatic Hand Control with its large, soft buttons; the 6310 Pneumatic Hand Control, which is safe for use in wet areas; the 6241 Medically Approved Bellows Foot/Palm Switch, used for intensive care bed tilt, head up/down and bed up/down positioning; and the 6271 Electric Hand Control, which has a light operating force that is important for healthcare workers who often have to make fine adjustments to patient positions.

Ready to upgrade your patient handling equipment? Contact us today to learn more about how our innovative control solutions can enhance your product.