ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and verify the effectiveness of prototype portable bathing assistive device for the bathing service provider that can reduce the physical burden and increase their convenience and safety. Methods: The prototype of portable bathing assistive device was developed after collecting opinions from the bathing service providers and experts. The subjects were 24 caregivers and nursing care workers in rehabilitation hospitals. The research tools used were the prototype portable bathing assistive device developed in this study. REBA, VAS, K-QUEST 2.0 were used as evaluation tools as well as subjective opinions of users after using prototype portable bathing assistive device. Results: The result of REBA scores measured before and after using prototype portable bathing assistive device revealed that the action level was reduced from ‘high’ to ‘low’. Pain levels were lower in all items excepts for arms. There showed a significance in mean scores. K-QUEST score was found to be ‘normal’ in 6 items except dimension and weight. There showed no higher correlation between dependent variables and subjects’ general characteristics. The final design of portable bathing assistive device presented after adopting subjects’ opinions. Conclusion: It is expected that portable bathing assistive device developed in this study can serve as an valuable device to reduce the physical burden of the bath service providers and increase their convenience, task performance, and safety as well.