Oct 14, 2026 – Designing Smarter Ceiling Lift Systems: Clinical, Structural, and Workflow Strategies for Successful Ceiling Lift Installations in Complex Care Environments

Live and recorded on Oct 14, 2026 from 2 PM – 3 PM Eastern
FREE to ALL. Thank you to the sponsorship by Guldmann

Title: Designing Smarter Ceiling Lift Systems: Clinical, Structural, and Workflow Strategies for Successful Ceiling Lift Installations in Complex Care Environments

Presented by Hannah Weaver MS, OTR/L, CSPHA and Woods Fines

Overview:

Ceiling lifts are an integral part of Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Programs, yet many facilities underutilize overhead systems due to misconceptions about installation limitations, cost, or space constraints. Despite growing adoption, some organizations continue to rely on limited straight-track systems, portable lifts, or avoid overhead lift installation entirely due to perceived structural barriers, renovation constraints, or uncertainty regarding feasibility. This session will review practical planning strategies for ceiling lift implementation across diverse healthcare environments, with an emphasis on maximizing functionality, clinical workflow integration, utilization, and overall program success.

Attendees will explore the advantages of XY systems compared with straight tracks, the use of gated system transitions, and practical solutions for spaces often assumed unsuitable for overhead lifts. Case examples will include Radiology, LINAC rooms, low-clearance spaces, therapy treatment areas, dialysis bays, curtain bypass strategies, PACU, ED, infusion, and other complex environments. Additional strategies will address congested or inaccessible ceiling structures, seismic zone requirements, and other common installation challenges.

The session will provide clinicians, program leaders, and facility stakeholders with practical tools to evaluate feasibility, improve utilization through better planning, collaborate effectively with facilities and design teams, future-proof renovations, and maximize return on investment.

 Objectives:

1. Describe key clinical, structural and operational factors that should guide ceiling lift planning based on differing care environments
2. Compare and contrast various system set-ups including XY/room covering systems, straight tracks, walking tracks, etc., based on workflows, caregiver efficiency, patient access, and other environmental constraints
3. Recognize how ceiling lift system designs will function within different care environments and how that will influence clinical utilization of the system.
4. Identify available solutions for challenging installation environments including radiology, LINAC suites, Dialysis bays, PACU, Infusion, and the ED.
5. Discuss the use of transition systems (Gates, Combi-locks), for room-to-room movement and multi-zone transfer pathways
6. Recognize structural and environmental barriers and appraise practical engineering solutions, applying evidence-based principles and current FGI guidelines to ceiling lift planning decisions

Meet the Speakers

Hannah M. Weaver is a Progressive Mobility Consultant with Guldmann, where she partners with healthcare organizations to support Safe Patient Handling and Mobility programs, equipment implementation, and staff education. She also practices as an occupational therapist, bringing direct clinical insight into patient mobility, caregiver safety, and functional outcomes. Hannah is passionate about ensuring clinical perspectives and frontline caregiver voices are represented in healthcare design and equipment planning to create practical environments that support both patients and staff.

Woods Fines serves as Senior Product Specialist for Guldmann North America and works closely with healthcare teams to support patient mobility initiatives and safer care environments. Drawing from his athletic background, Woods understands the value of movement and believes mobility is a key component of quality of life and overall health for both patients and caregivers. He is passionate about helping organizations implement practical solutions that enhance caregiver safety and efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and create stronger financial outcomes for healthcare facilities.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 15826, for 1 contact hour.

Webinar Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1169762082500197977