Implementing a Safe Patient Handling Program in a Community Hospital Setting

A safe patient handling program was initiated in a community hospital using a multidisciplinary committee. Staff coaches were put into place to support a transition to a minimal lift environment. In the first year, patient handling injuries were reduced by 43% and lost time and associated expense was reduced by 37%. The second year goals include developing a model to support sustainable staff training and orientation, adding additional tools to support a minimal lift environment, and creating a protocol for floor recovery after a patient fall. The level of staff engagement was measured before and after implementation of the program and showed improvement in adopting a minimal lift environment.

Bonomi J, Brooks S, Chapman T, Garrison E, White L

Keywords: safe patient handling, program evaluation, staff survey