International Round Table Discussion: Engaging Patients and Family in Safe Patient Handling and Early Mobility Decision-Making

Introducing a safe patient handling and mobility program is without doubt a challenge to all concerned, whether at the program leader level or as the recipient of the change. So much energy is spent in changing the culture and persuading staff to adopt a new way of working that the recipients of the care and their families are often forgotten. Many of them have difficulties in adapting to having lifts used on their loved ones or may be worried that the equipment means their relative will never be independent again. This round table discussion focuses on the question of how we can engage patients and their family in safe patient handling and early mobility decision-making. Perspectives from Canada, Australia, and the United States are considered.

Gallagher A, Dube J, Wawzyniecki P

Keywords: safe patient handling, patient, family, education, decision-making