Factors Predicting Sustainability Using a Multisite Safe Patient Handling Program

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of sustainability and 5 factors: Champions, leadership support policy, resources, and training and education that might predict long-term sustainability in one Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) program. The program was implemented in a large, nationwide healthcare system and included a secondary aim of examining the number of nursing staff injuries post-implementation. This correlational study used Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI) as the theoretical rationale, which proposes 4 essential elements and 5 stages of the Innovation-Decision Process (IDP). The fifth stage –confirmation – reflects the DOI essential elements and the literature on sustainability. The study participants reported high perceived sustainability of the program in their facilities (M = 73.1, SD = 23.6). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated a 3-factor model (Champions, resources,
and education and training) explaining 46% variance in sustainability. Statistically significant differences in nursing staff injuries showed continued decline. The research concluded the importance of the presence of Champions, the provision of resources, and training and education contributed most significantly as predictors for the long-term sustainability of SPHM programs.

Meredith King Jensen, PhD, R

Key Words: Sustainability, nursing injury, safe patient handling program