A Qualitative Exploration of the Lift Equipment Uses and Needs of Physical and Occupational Therapists and Assistants Participating in Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Programs

It has been shown that rehabilitation professionals experience work related injuries and that safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs can decrease these work related injuries. However, there are minimal studies focusing solely on the distinct occupational health and safety experiences of rehabilitation professionals participating in SPHM programs. Therefore, we sought to qualitatively explore the perceptions, participation, and equipment usage among rehabilitation professionals engaged in an SPHM program at a large level-one trauma hospital. Six focus groups were conducted with 25 members of the rehabilitation team (11 physical therapists, 11 occupational therapists, and 3 physical therapist assistants). Focus groups were conducted using semi-structured guides; de-identified transcripts were analyzed for emergent themes. Participants indicated broad support for the SPHM program, however, during patient care they often defaulted to manual mobility techniques. This may be partially due to equipment incompatibility with the job tasks associated with mobility and therapeutic needs of their patients. Participants described equipment modifications that might improve use and applicability during these tasks. To maximize participation of rehabilitation professionals in SPHM programs, modifications to lift equipment should be considered. These changes will serve to improve patient and practitioner safety as well as patient mobility within these acute care settings.

Evans KW, Myers D, Rockefeller K, Rauscher K, Allen A, Gao W

Keywords: safe patient handling, occupational therapist, physical therapist, lift equipment, qualitative research, focus groups