Bariatric Seating by Steelcase Healthcare

Report Obesity…a growing trend

Obesity is increasing worldwide. According to the International Obesity Task Force an estimated 300 million people worldwide are obese and 750 million more are overweight. The United States leads the way with more than half of the population considered overweight and one third classified as extremely obese (at least 100 pounds overweight). Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the number of Americans who are extremely obese has quadrupled in recent years. This upward trend is impacting medical facilities that are not properly equipped to handle the needs of these special patients.

Providing safety and security to patients

An excerpt from an educational training summary authored by Barbara N. Metcalf, RN of Pacific Laparoscopy in San Francisco, CA states, "As bariatric specialists we must provide a safe and secure atmosphere for our patient population by providing comfortable, strong furniture, handicapped restrooms and walkways. It is our responsibility to offer not only physical safety, but emotional as well. Bariatric furniture and an empathy suite will be shown as examples to help the comfort level of our patients and to help teach the important aspect of "empathy".

One size does not fit all

BraytonSpaces, designer and manufacturer of award-winning seating and table collections, seeks to address bariatric patient needs by collaborating with customers such as these. Successfully addressing the special needs of a bariatric patient takes careful examination of how each unique patient operates in a variety of environments, situations and stages in their healthcare experience. It is not a "one size fits all" approach. Conducting its own customer surveys and research over the past year, BraytonSpaces recognized the need to take a patient-centered approach to design. BraytonSpaces’ healthcare survey to key healthcare furniture specifiers revealed a need for bariatric seating with 54% of the respondents categorizing it as "very important" or "a must have". Further field observations and surveys solidified the need to provide at home comfort and a sense of dignity to all patients.

Performance standards that exceed the norm

BraytonSpaces set high testing standards for its new bariatric products introduced in June 2003. By integrating its expertise of ANSI-BIFMA testing standards, BraytonSpaces created bariatric testing standards for its seating line. BraytonSpaces bariatric seating passes 14 standard BIFMA tests and exceeds BIFMA standards relevant to what BraytonSpaces has identified as bariatric patient needs. Unique to this furniture is its ability to withstand 1400 lbs. dead load weight exceeding any other currently on the market. From static tests to durability and strength, these new introductions assure well-designed, quality products that meet the stringent requirements of the bariatric field.According to Rob Easton, Industrial Designer for Brayton’s healthcare initiative, the testing is beginning to prove itself, but the research is what will set Brayton apart. "The greatest impact to our bariatric seating design will result from the user research and observations that we are currently conducting," Easton said. "This information will empower us to deliver superior product performance in waiting areas with bariatric furniture needs."

Comfort expectations fulfilled

Beyond the importance of product performance was the need to create a comfortable and warm healing environment. That’s why Brayton choose to broaden several of its most popular seating designs to include bariatric. Bariatric seating can be found in Brayton’s most popular collections; St. Clair, Open Arm Rave, Progeny, Swathmore Grande, and Club Grande. Brayton’s award-winning Sine collection is currently in final development stages.