The nurses at Zorgcirkel in Landsmeer could not believe their eyes when the HelpSoq prepared a therapeutic stocking for use. What is known as the most tedious task in healthcare, was now solved in half a minute with an electrical device.
On the longest day of 2021, Reinoud Wouters and Jean-Paul Toonen visited ZorgCirkel in Landsmeer for a try-out of the HelpSoq. About ten nurses had managed to free up half an hour to see the HelpSoq prototype at work. Their curiousity did not come out of the blue. Because these nurses agreed on one thing: putting on compression stockings is one of the worst jobs of all.
The team leader had serious shoulder complaints that are treated with injections: “I am sure that it’s caused by working with compression stockings. An occupational therapist has already observed me to see if I was doing something wrong, but the complaint appears to be irresolvable”. On the ward, the nurses divide their work between supporting stockings. They put on stockings in series of five or sometimes as many as ten in a row. “Someone with lymphoedema makes it extra difficult. Some patients we put back on the bed, because putting on the stockings horizontally is preferable.”
At Zorgcirkel some 80% of the clients wear Therapeutic Elastic Stockings (TEK). That’s about 200 patients who have to put on their stockings every morning during rush hour, whether or not after showering. “On average, it takes us about 10 minutes per patient. We usually use one of these stockings and sometimes gloves. Patients don’t wash their stockings often enough, so they lose their tension. This also makes it unhygienic. Putting them on is the worst job there is.”
When Reinoud demonstrates how to put the stocking on the HelpSoq by calmly sliping the textile over the ring, there is still some joking at a safe Covid-distance. But after the stocking is put on a volunteer’s leg in a few seconds, an exuberant cheer rises up. “I want that device, can I take it with me?” and “Unbelievable, this is great, where do we have to sign?”
Then all the ladies get a chance to put a stocking on the electric prototype device themselves. And time and time again the volunteer has put the stocking back on. “What an invention, how easy it is.” The demonstration ends because several team members have to move on quickly, but the message that is left behind is unmistakable: this is the device that nurses need. This is the machine that will professionalise the impractical therapy with TEK stockings. “Yes, we do want to take a picture with it.”