Bariatric Space, Technology, and Design: A Round Table.
BACKGROUND
Planning and executing healthcare for the patient or resident living with obesity can be a challenging task that has implications to the occupational health professional.


METHODS
Leading global experts in the areas of occupational health, ergonomics, bariatrics, technology, and patient care were identified and invited to participate in a round table discussion. Questions posed to experts were based on literature that addressed patient handling and mobility, architectural design recommendations, clinical care of the person with obesity, and ergonomic guidelines.


FINDINGS
Experts agreed that special considerations must be in place to care for the person who is obese. These special considerations should address not only clinical care of the patient, but ways to protect workers from occupational injury associated with clinical care. Experts suggested that, in some situations, a bariatric training suit may be helpful in better understanding space and design challenges, as well as a better understanding of the physical limitations associated with a larger body habitus (although simulated). Further, experts agreed that insensitivities often stem from failure to have proper space, technology and design accommodations in place. Conclusions/Application to Practice: The occupational health professional is a key resource to teams charged with planning and executing healthcare for the patient or resident living with obesity. Interprofessional understanding and communication can lead to a more comprehensive approach to space, design and technology that not only addresses the patient, but the worker providing direct care.
['Gallagher|Susan|S|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1569-8128', 'Alexandrowiz|Malene|M|', 'Fritz|Ronda|R|', 'Kumpar|Dee|D|', 'Miller|Merl|M|', 'McNaughton|Cynthia|C|', 'Nowicki|Tracy|T|']
D052938:Bariatric Medicine D006804:Ergonomics D006282:Health Personnel D006749:Hospital Design and Construction D006801:Humans D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings D055805:Moving and Lifting Patients D009765:Obesity D060051:Occupational Injuries D061214:Patient Safety
bariatric ergonomics architectural design occupational injuries environment hazard analysis occupational hazards safe patient handling