Author: Ernesto Fierro
Occupational injuries remain one of the most crucial aspects in the healthcare field . For example, in the United States, an average of 6.4 work related injuries per 100 employees was reported in 2013. Moreover, due to the nature of healthcare settings, occupational injuries can result from on the floor patient interactions. Furthermore, the result of such injuries can lead to serious physical injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other complications. Case in point, nursing aids have the highest rate of MSDs. As a result, healthcare employers must understand programs such as Safe Patient Handling in order to reduce injuries and improve overall patient care.
Quality Care and Prevention
The American Psychical Therapy Association defines Safe Patient Handling as policies designed to safely move patients. In a more descriptive sense, safe patient handling involves using protective measures to reduce injuries and improve overall patient care. Because of high productivity demand in healthcare settings and constant interaction between patients and healthcare workers, patient handling remains a vital aspect in assessing worker and patient safety. Furthermore, in addition to reducing patient and worker injuries, quality patient handling provides healthcare organizations with multiple benefits
- Patient comfort and satisfaction
- Increased nursing and employee retention
- Reduced injury costs
- Lower turnover rates
Components of Safe Patient Handling
Implementing a quality Safe Patient Handling plan requires management collaboration and reliance on technology. Equally important to management is hazards. Due to the complexity of healthcare settings, appropriate assessment of possible hazards is necessary. In addition, its important to only select equipment based on patient conditions but also on proper use. Equally important to patient condition and proper are other factors
- Involve front-line staff in decision making
- Focus on lifting, transfer, and movement needs
- Maintain equipment and supplies
- Avoid equipment and delays
Overall, many factors must be considered when designing an effective Safe Patient Handling program.By incorporating patient and employee needs, employers not only reduce on-the floor incidents, but also improve overall care.
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Sources
American Physical Therapy Association. (n.d.). Safe Patient Handling. Retrieved from http://www.apta.org/SafePatientHandling/
Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3708.pdf
Safe Patient Handling Equipment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hospitals/patient_handling_equipment.html
