Interprofessional Education Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Workshop for Persons of Size

The purpose of this research was to examine the outcomes of an interprofessional education (IPE) workshop on safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) for persons of size. After securing institutional review board approval, a sample of convenience from a university and community college cohort invited student participants from physical therapy, nursing, and emergency medical service disciplines. A pre-post survey design measured outcomes of a 2.5-hour IPE workshop with intention toward SPHM for persons of size. This included a seminar, videotaped SPHM case studies, and then small interprofessional student group discussion facilitated by faculty. Surveys included questions to ascertain participant demographics to measure perceptions and knowledge of obesity and SPHM. The 212 participants had improvement in 3 knowledge areas (definition of “person of size,” medical considerations during transfer, and impact of medication on SPHM) as well as positive changes in perceptions related to persons of size. This study demonstrates the efficacy of IPE as a means of enhancing SPHM in patients of size and facilitating a greater understanding of professional roles in SPHM.

Hernandez JM, Munyan K, Thompson K, Wilson C, Arena S, Noack D

Keywords: safe patient handling, education, bariatric, interprofessional