Three Modern Myths of Safe Patient Handling and Movement

Since Dr. Nelson and the Ergonomics Technical Advisory Group of the Patient Safety Center of Inquiry first published the myths surrounding safe patient handling and movement (SPHM) in 2001, many developments within the industry have fostered new myths, some of which have led to resistance in the change to a safer way of lifting and handling patients. This article focuses on 3 modern myths that reflect the evolution of SPHM including the belief that injury reporting is the most accurate way of identifying progress in a SPHM program, the concerns that physical therapists express in using equipment in the treatment of their clients, and the misconception that all who are placed in leadership roles have the knowledge and skills to lead a SPHM program of the magnitude most facilities require.

Monaghan HM

Keywords: safe patient handling, myths, leadership, physical therapists, injury reporting