It is a one sized slide sheet, placed under the patient in the same position for every horizontal transfer, therefore simplifying use, aiding compliance and reducing user error and risk, improving efficiency, patient safety, dignity and comfort whilst also protecting staff.
The slide sheet has a unique head and feet indicator for positioning of the slide sheet so that staff can’t get it wrong and there are two layers of slide sheets to execute the slide.
Surveys showed that, despite training, staff frequently do not choose the appropriate slide sheet, size (and number), or position them correctly for specific patient repositioning tasks, resulting in increased risk from friction and shearing forces (e.g. to the patients vulnerable areas such as the heels and musculoskeletal injury to staff).
Benefit for patients and Colleagues with the innovation
A pre-Versal survey showed 88.2% of staff chose erroneous methods.
Since the introduction of Versal (February 2016) erroneous use has reduced to 0%.
• Improving patient dignity, experience and comfort.
• Protecting patient’s skin integrity, i.e. avoidable harm.
• Reducing the risk to staff musculoskeletal health (happy staff gives better care).
• Simplifying slide sheet selection, ordering and use, freeing up more time to care.
• Improving efficiency and standardizing use of slide sheet.
• Reducing NHS costs (e.g. from pressure ulcers, staff sickness, Versal only slide sheet required).
• Training is focused on minimal handling.
Evidence to support the innovation
• Force test measures were undertaken, by a University of Loughborough ergonomist, to show erroneous slide sheet methods versus Versal. Versal reduces forces and shearing significantly. This paper was presented at Healthcare Ergonomics Patient Safety Conference, October 2016.
• Excellent patient, porters, nurses etc. Versal testimonials.
• Pressure ulcers in the Trust since using Versal have reduced by 33%
• Evaluations from other Trusts who have trialled Versal show excellent results, including 94% saying they would be happy to use Versal.
Can this be shared with other trusts?
• The patent pending innovation is marketed by a UK company and is available on NHS Supply Chain for any organisation / carer to order.
• National launch of the product took place September 2016 at National Back Exchange Conference.
• Implementation spread through product promotion - information sharing, word of mouth, awards etc.
• Highly commended by HSJ AND RCNi and winner for Bright Ideas in Health Awards 2016.
• The company (with the support of the innovators team) demonstrate the product and give support and advice. • Information is also available on their web site. http://www.gbukgroup.com/storage/Banana_Versal_Sheet.pdf