“Taking a Holistic Approach to SPHM” February 2023

Podcast Description:

Mitigating ergonomic/physical risk factors is only one part of the solution to preventing
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among healthcare workers and nurses. Applying a
Biopsychosocial Model can assist with furthering SPHM research and strengthening SPHM
programming. Only by understanding how various biological, psychological, and social factors
interact with one another, can we approach improving caregiver safety and well-being from a
more holistic perspective.

Podcast Guest:

SASHA M. Latvala, BS, CSPHP is a Clinical SPHM Consultant with two decades of experience
across the continuum of care and with SPHM technology companies. Ms. Latvala received her
Bachelor of Science from Drexel University and is currently a degree candidate for a Master of
Science in Epidemiology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. Ms.
Latvala holds a Certification as a Safe Patient Handling Professional, and has published research
on SPHM program development and implementation as well as the impact of COVID-19 on
SPHM. She is a Fellow with the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Aging and
Long-Term Care, Adult Care Facilities Division. Ms. Latvala is the former Vice-President of the
Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals (ASPHP), and former Chair of the
Certification & Renewal Committee. She has been extensively involved with numerous
professional SPHM Boards and committees throughout her career.