Determining safety, usability, acceptability and potential for clinical use of an innovative walking frame design with in- and community patients

Falls cost the NHS over £2 billion a year, with incidence increasing rapidly with age. Design of indoor walking frames remains limited, often needing to be lifted and not supporting sit-to-stand and turning manoeuvres, which can lead to falling. This study explored aspects of safety and satisfaction and potential for clinical use of a novel prototype walking frame. Within a proof-of-concept design study, between April and November 2023 nine healthcare professionals (HCPs) [3 male 13.4 mean years clinical experience] assessed 10 in-patients and 8 community-based patients [9 male, mean ± SD age 81 ± 9.98]. Patient participants performed mobility activities with the prototype frame and a standard frame. Professionals then completed a questionnaire on safety and satisfaction when using the devices with free text options. Data were analysed using frequency and descriptive statistics and paired comparisons for ranked data, with open comments analysed using thematic analysis. HCPs reported the prototype as safe in 100% assessments (18/18), with 17/18 stating they would have prescribed it immediately if available (“Not as safe with a standard frame as she was with the prototype”.). HCP satisfaction was greater for the prototype regarding dimensions (<i>p</i> = 0.006; “Good ability to personalize to individual”.), safety and security (<i>p</i> = 0.003), ease of use (<i>p</i> = 0.005; “Automatically started to use it”.), and effectiveness (<i>p</i> = 0.003; “Turns well, minimise lifting, glides but still grips”). This study demonstrates significantly better satisfaction of HCPs with the new design regarding ease of use and safety, in inpatient and community settings, and a strong desire to prescribe it. Multidisciplinary collaboration including implementation of stakeholder feedback in the evaluation and final design of walking aids is important to produce a product that is safe, easy to use and satisfies users and healthcare professionalsNew frame design can overcome the significant safety limitations of the traditional walking frame that has not changed for decades—removing the need to lift when turning and improving movement over thresholds and different floor surfaces through innovative design of wheels and feetDesign changes to the overall shape of an indoor walking frame offers solutions for different sized users and environments Multidisciplinary collaboration including implementation of stakeholder feedback in the evaluation and final design of walking aids is important to produce a product that is safe, easy to use and satisfies users and healthcare professionals New frame design can overcome the significant safety limitations of the traditional walking frame that has not changed for decades—removing the need to lift when turning and improving movement over thresholds and different floor surfaces through innovative design of wheels and feet Design changes to the overall shape of an indoor walking frame offers solutions for different sized users and environments