Increasing the Use of Patient Lifting Devices in Nursing Homes: Identifying the Barriers and Facilitators Affecting the Different Adoption Stages for an Ergonomics Intervention

The aim of this study was to identify the primary barriers and facilitators differentiating the stages of adoption of patient lifting devices. Healthcare professionals (n = 297) participated in a survey study where attitudes toward patient lift use and factors affecting use were assessed in 3 resident handling situations. Results indicate that individuals’ adoption stages noticeably differed by resident handling situation and the principle factors varied by stage and by lifting situation. Facilitators most strongly affecting full-adopters were that their co-workers use the lifting equipment, the perception that the lifts are safe for the residents, there is an established protocol regarding their use, the transfers are smooth for the resident, and the transfer is easier on their shoulders. Perceived physical capability for manual transfer with a co-worker(s) and availability of other transferring methods were chosen as common barriers by participants who have partially used and have not used the lifts.

Park S, Lavender SA, Sommerich CM, Patterson ES

Keywords: adoption stages, patient lifting devices, ergonomics intervention, implementation, safe patient handling