Implementing a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program to Prevent Staff Injury

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Felicia Collins (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) programs are proven to protect healthcare workers such as registered nurses (RNs), licensed practice nurses (LPNs) and nursing assistants (NAs) from work-related injury secondary to patient handling. Improving the safety of the rehabilitation staff was the purpose of implementing this evidence-based project. The objectives were to increase the knowledge and practice of SPHM principles by healthcare workers in the rehabilitation department and decrease work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) the total claims, restricted work hours, and lost workdays. Findings included a 90% reduction in restricted work hours, and a 91% improvement lost days over the prior year (PY). Total worker"s compensation claims resulted in a 33% reduction over the PY. Worker"s compensation expense for FY 2020 was annualized to improve by a 95% reduction with the implementation of an SPHM program. Prior to staff training, a pre-assessment survey was administered, and the last three questions provide a baseline to evaluate weekly improvement in the adaptation to behavior changes and compliance with the SPHM program principles. The behavior change with SPHM program compliance was measured over a 12-week period; whereas, compliance with the principles of the SPHM program improved from 20% to 80% on weekly rounds.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2020

Keywords

Safe patient handling; mobility (SPHM); workers compensation; implementation programs; and acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF)

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