Educational Case Report: A Safe Patient Handling and Mobilization Training Program in an Academic Medical Center

Multifaceted safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs have been shown to reduce the personal and financial burden associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Access to appropriate equipment is essential for successful outcomes, but equipment alone is not sufficient. Training on how to use equipment is also critical; however, limited literature exists describing the details of SPHM training programs. A case report design provides a rich description of practice in replicable detail. This article uses a case report format to describe the development and evaluation of the training program implemented in an academic medical center, including the various strategies and tools used: hierarchical task analysis, ergonomic risk analysis, interviews, and observations. Outcomes and future plans are described to provide further insight into the program.

Enos L, Eldredge D, Rockefeller K

Keywords: safe patient handling, training, education