Redesigning the Sara Stedy: A Removable Leg Rest and Radiotranslucent Handlebar for Improved Patient Transfer and Imaging; Designing for Care or Efficiency: A Care Ethics Analysis of Assistive Mobility Devices in Clinical Settings 7 views

Sit-to-stand devices such as the Sara Stedy are widely used in hospitals and rehabilitation settings to assist patients with limited mobility. However, these devices often present practical limitations. Current designs can restrict patient positioning, require removal during imaging procedures due to metal components, and may not adequately support higher patient weight ranges. The way these devices function also affects patients' sense of comfort, trust, and dignity. Healthcare providers must improve mobility devices in a way that addresses both technical performance and the human experience of care. While other factors such as staffing levels and training also influence patient outcomes, this project focuses specifically on how device design shapes both physical and ethical dimensions of care. The technical project addressed these challenges through the redesign of key components of the Sara Stedy device. The primary goal was to improve structural support and imaging compatibility. The design process focused on two main modifications. First, a redesigned leg rest was developed to better support loads up to 400 pounds. Second, a radiotranslucent handlebar was designed to allow imaging procedures such as X-rays to be performed without removing the device or creating artifacts in the scans. CAD modeling was completed in Fusion 360, followed by finite element analysis to evaluate stress distribution and structural performance. Prototypes of both the leg rest and handlebar were fabricated using 3D printing. While full clinical load testing was not completed, the results demonstrated improved load distribution in simulations and confirmed the feasibility of using alternative materials for imaging compatibility. This work provides a foundation for future development using stronger materials and integration into a full device system. The STS research project examined how assistive mobility devices influence patient-centered care using frameworks from care ethics and the logic of care. The central research question asked how devices like sit-to-stand aids shape the relationship between patients and healthcare providers. The analysis drew on care ethics to emphasize responsiveness to patient needs and experiences. Evidence from patient experience studies and healthcare design research showed that patients evaluate care not only based on their personal health outcomes but also on how care is delivered from healthcare providers. Device features such as stability, comfort, and ease of use are important. This can affect patient trust, sense of safety, and willingness to engage in care. The research argues that assistive devices are not neutral tools. Instead, they actively shape interactions between patients and providers. Design decisions therefore have ethical implications. Improving these devices requires attention to both functional performance and the lived experience of patients during care. Together, these projects contribute to a more comprehensive approach to improving assistive mobility devices. The technical work addresses clear mechanical and clinical limitations, while the STS research highlights the importance of patient experience and ethical design. This combined approach shows that effective medical device design must go beyond performance metrics alone. Future work should focus on testing redesigned components in real clinical settings, using stronger and clinically approved materials. This work supports the development of devices that are not only safer and more efficient, but also more aligned with the goals of patient-centered care.

BS (Bachelor of Science)

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2026-05-08