PATRAN^® Slide Sheets Research

Slide sheet investment, implementation demonstrates significant patient-handling claim cost avoidance
March 2026

Jamar Health Products and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reviewed patient-handling claims data both pre- and post-implementation of PATRAN slide sheets at UPMC Hamot, a 445-bed tertiary care facility and trauma center in Western Pennsylvania.

Presented at the Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals 2026 National SPHM Conference as a poster, the data showed:

• • • • 36% average increase in patient-handling claims
      • 88% average decrease in lost days
      • 9% average increase in restricted days
      • 67% average decrease in patient-handling claim cost avoidance

Suggested citation: Scott S, Klein K, Crawford L. Slide Sheet Investment, Implementation Demonstrates Significant Patient-Handling Claim Cost Avoidance. Poster presented at: ASPHP National SPHM Conference; March 16-18, 2026; Dallas, TX.

Jamar Health Products tested the force required for safe lateral transfer in the operating room with PATRAN® slide sheets, and found they reduced the force required to <105 lbs for up to at least 400 lbs of weight, making it an option that meets the AORN safe patient-handling and movement guideline.

Jamar Health Products recently tested how PATRAN^® slide sheets perform at cold temperatures for safe handling of decedent patients. We found PATRAN^® slide sheet performance remains consistent whether at room or cool temperature. Slipperiness decreases by 20% when the slide sheet is frozen but returns to normal after the slide sheet is thawed.

Jamar Health Products recently tested whether the force required to move weight on an air mattress is different than on a foam mattress when using PATRAN^® slide sheets. Health care providers could increase their PATRAN^® use weight guidelines on surfaces that do not require moving patients uphill.

There is a relationship between a patient sliding down in bed and skin shear. Understanding the cause and effect makes it easier to understand the importance of repositioning and using safe patient handling and mobility equipment.

The low cost, compact size and product versatility make PATRAN^® slide sheets an easy choice when starting safe patient handling within a health care organization. Usage can result in reduced direct and indirect workers’ compensation costs.

Coefficient of friction (COF) alone doesn’t define slide sheet performance. Understanding differences in testing, reporting of COF and how other design factors play a part in real clinical applications are important indicators.

Jamar Health Products tested force required to move patients with PATRAN^® slide sheets on common medical surfaces. Results provide insight on how many caregivers are needed to safely move patients for a number of tasks based on the surface design.