Safe Patient Handling

A nursing shortage in America has health care providers worried, but the implementation of Safe Patient Handling (SPH) methods may help ease the burden.

Safe Patient Handling, advocated by the American Nurses Association and similar organizations, is a system of programs and research that can help lower work-related injuries in the health care profession. Studies show that nurses, nurses aids and related direct caregivers experience a significantly higher rate of nonfatal injury while on the job than workers in all other occupations.

Best practices for nurses and other health care workers, when implemented properly by a facility, can bring about significant savings in money and in worker satisfaction. Employees who are not injured can remain on the job longer and perform with a greater degree of accuracy.

Health care is the largest-growing sector in the U.S. workforce, but a nursing shortage greater than any experienced since the mid-1960s is expected within the next 15 years. Some degree of nursing shortage likely will be apparent in every state by the year 2015.

Injury is a contributing factor in the nursing shortage. The average age of a Registered Nurse (RN) has climbed to more than 44 years, and this, together with a more obese population, has combined to cause more injury to workers during patient transport and movement.

Additionally, lack of staffing has increased stress for many health care professionals. This also adds to injury because individuals attempt to move patients without assistance. Safe Patient Handling requires the use of teams if mechanical lift devices are not utilized.

Everyday tasks that put a direct caregiver at risk include lifting loads too far away from the body, lifting heavy loads, twisting during a lift, unexpected issues during a lift ( such as a patient falling or becoming combative), moving a load too far a distance, lifting frequently, and lifting without assistance.

Caregivers utilizing best practices will combat these risks by using mechanical lifts, asking for assistance from others, and properly assessing a patient in order to determine unusual issues or concerns. Proper training, provided by the health care facility, will ensure that nursing safety is paramount during the course of the workday.

Best practices will help improve patient care and keep staff safe from injury, which in turn can help with the nursing shortage.

Links

Safe Patient Handling

Safe Patient Handling: American Nursing Association (ANA)

Sources

Background of Safe Patient Handling

American Nursing Association

State Legislation

Federal Legislation

Safe Patient Handling Quick Resources

Solutions for Safe Patient Handling

State Legislative Agenda for Safe Patient Handling

Handle with Care Recognition Program

Safe Patient Handline and Moving Toolkit

Preventing Back Injuries