Owen Flaugh
Papers
1
Total Citations
6
H-Index
1
About
Owen Flaugh is a researcher at the intersection of rehabilitation robotics and occupational health, whose work focuses on reducing caregiver injury during high-risk patient transfers. His most-cited paper, "Time Efficiency and Ergonomic Assessment of a Robotic Wheelchair Transfer System" (2024, 6 citations), addresses a critical gap in assistive technology: while mechanical floor lifts reduce back strain, they are often slow and cumbersome, leading caregivers to bypass them. Flaugh’s research demonstrates that a novel robotic transfer system can match or exceed the time efficiency of manual transfers while significantly improving ergonomic outcomes—potentially reducing the prevalence of back pain and musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers. This work has immediate implications for nursing homes, hospitals, and home care settings, where occupational injuries remain a persistent challenge. By quantifying both speed and physical demand, Flaugh provides a practical framework for evaluating next-generation transfer aids. His contributions are particularly notable for bridging engineering design with real-world clinical workflows, offering a scalable solution that prioritizes both caregiver safety and patient dignity.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1