Reduction of injuries associated with patient handling.

Abstract

Nurses experience more back injuries than the general population due to their physically demanding work. Research indicates that the implementation of a comprehensive patient-handling program will reduce the number of patient-handling injuries and associated sequelae. A significant barrier to the effectiveness of safe patient-handling programs includes lack of appropriate and easily accessible equipment for caregivers. Caregivers were questioned to identify changes in the use of and perceptions about patient-handling equipment following the implementation of a patient-handling program at a medium-sized nonprofit community hospital. The study found an increased use of patient-handling equipment by caregivers following the implementation of a patient-handling program, with a significant improvement in the perception of patient-handling equipment. Effective planning to adequately address each of the elements of a comprehensive patient-handling program is essential to program success.