Badalona Serveis Assitencials

Interview with Lola Espigares

What was the reason for considering implementing exoskeletons in your company?

The decision to explore the integration of exoskeletons at Badalona Servèis Assistencials arose from the need to address the growing problem of musculoskeletal injuries among workers in the health and social care sector.

Data published by the INSST reveal that, in 2020, 47% of professionals in the sector suffered back pain. Furthermore, the analysis of occupational accidents due to physical overexertion in 2022 showed that 34.8% of the injuries were located in the back. These data highlight the direct correlation between the nature of the work and the increase in injuries. Mobilizing patients is a physically demanding and essential task for orderlies and nursing assistants, which exposes them to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Faced with this situation, the organization considered it crucial to implement preventive measures to protect the health of its workers. Encouraging technological innovation, it was decided to study the feasibility of integrating exoskeletons as a potential solution to reduce the risk of MSDs and improve the health of healthcare professionals.

As an initial phase; where were exoskeletons implemented in Badalona Servèis Assistencials?

Understanding exoskeletons as another technical aid equipment, in addition to those already available in the sector. The aim is to implement exoskeletons in those environments where manual handling of loads cannot be completely eliminated, and where other technical aids such as cranes or hospital beds are not available or are insufficient. This includes in particular:

• Home care: Due to the lack of specialized equipment in homes.
• Socio-health sector: Due to the high frequency of care for patients with reduced mobility.

Why did you choose Healthy Suits exoskeletons?

We chose Healthy Suits exoskeletons for several key reasons:

• Lumbar protection: It is designed to reduce the load on the lower back (lumbar area). This part of the body is particularly vulnerable to injury due to physical overexertion at work.
• Associated risks: The device does not require external energy sources (batteries, compressors, external connections) avoiding emergent risks such as entrapment or electrical contact during use.
• Adaptability: Fits like a backpack on shoulders, waist and buttocks. It adapts to a woman’s anatomy, which is important given that the healthcare sector is highly feminized.
• Lightness: Its weight is 3.8 kg. It is one of the lightest available equipment, minimizing the additional load for the user.
• Efficiency: Its placement time is 10 seconds, which facilitates its integration into the healthcare routine.

Due to the use of exoskeletons, have the working environments and the health of your workers improved?

Based on the results of our study, the use of exoskeletons has concluded that the exoskeleton reduces muscle activation and that this effect is more noticeable during times of greater muscular effort. This translates into a lower physical load.

In addition, it has been shown that there is no transfer of activation but rather release of excess activation of the muscle groups under study. This indicates an improvement in movement efficiency and a decrease in muscle stress. These results demonstrate that the use of the exoskeleton can have a very positive impact.

As for the users’ perception, 83% of the participating professionals affirm that the exoskeleton facilitates patient mobilization tasks. The acceptance of the exoskeleton is crucial for a successful implementation of the equipment. This indicates that the workers are willing to use the device and that they consider it beneficial for their work.

From your organization, are you satisfied with the results of working and collaborating with Healthy Suits?

Totally satisfied. The Healthy Suits team has proven to be a reference in technical advice in all phases of the project. From the initial contact and the purchase proposal, to the design of the implementation plan and the integral vision of the brand. Their professionalism has been exceptional.

As a specialist in occupational health and safety, the alignment with Healthy Suits, sharing the common goal of caring for and protecting people’s health, has been fundamental to generate trust in its brand, technology and team.

We follow with great interest the future technological improvements you develop!