Recommended Citation
Harvey S, Lopez S. Safe patient handling: The key to teammate safety. Value Informed Nursing Practice poster presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Value Informed Nursing Practice poster presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Abstract
Background
Healthcare workers are at risk for patient handling injuries (PHI). PHI result in pain, lost days of work and employer costs with required reporting of significant cases to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). PHI are preventable with Safe Patient Handling (SPH) equipment and techniques.
In 2022, there were 30 PHI at South Suburban Hospital. The PHI rate was 3.1 injuries per 200,000 hours worked with OSHA reportable PHI rate of 1.9. Our goal was to reduce injury rate by 25%.
Method
Pandemic related barriers included reduced training time, high staff turnover/ agency staff, supply shortages, and conflicting priorities for Employee Health which interfered with real-time review of injuries.
We established a PHI Task Force with 3 goals:
- Increase awareness of SPH Policy and equipment
- Monitor SPH equipment and supply levels by unit
- Review PHI weekly and act on opportunities
Teammate training on equipment use and SPH policy is held weekly. We relocate equipment to optimal areas and review supply levels of disposables. Origami injury reports are reviewed weekly to identify true PHI and follow up on opportunities.
Results
Trained 327 teammates, including 148 agency staff in 2022.
Coordination with Supply Chain, especially for alternative slide sheets, make SPH accessible.
In response to review of injury reports, we created Stretcher Cart Safety education including ergonomics, mechanics, and red-tagging defective equipment.
In 2022, PHI totaled 7 injuries with total PHI rate 0.7. There were 3 OSHA reportable PHI, a 0.3 rate. This is a 76% reduction in total PHI and 83% reduction of OSHA reportable PHI compared to 2021.
Cost Savings
Baseline PHI Workers Compensation cost per injury is $16,574. Reduction of 15 reportable PHI in 2022 saved $248,603.
Discussion
A multimodal team approach to Safe Patient Handling saves money and prevents suffering by our valued teammates.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-15-2023
Safe patient handling: The key to teammate safety
Background
Healthcare workers are at risk for patient handling injuries (PHI). PHI result in pain, lost days of work and employer costs with required reporting of significant cases to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). PHI are preventable with Safe Patient Handling (SPH) equipment and techniques.
In 2022, there were 30 PHI at South Suburban Hospital. The PHI rate was 3.1 injuries per 200,000 hours worked with OSHA reportable PHI rate of 1.9. Our goal was to reduce injury rate by 25%.
Method
Pandemic related barriers included reduced training time, high staff turnover/ agency staff, supply shortages, and conflicting priorities for Employee Health which interfered with real-time review of injuries.
We established a PHI Task Force with 3 goals:
- Increase awareness of SPH Policy and equipment
- Monitor SPH equipment and supply levels by unit
- Review PHI weekly and act on opportunities
Teammate training on equipment use and SPH policy is held weekly. We relocate equipment to optimal areas and review supply levels of disposables. Origami injury reports are reviewed weekly to identify true PHI and follow up on opportunities.
Results
Trained 327 teammates, including 148 agency staff in 2022.
Coordination with Supply Chain, especially for alternative slide sheets, make SPH accessible.
In response to review of injury reports, we created Stretcher Cart Safety education including ergonomics, mechanics, and red-tagging defective equipment.
In 2022, PHI totaled 7 injuries with total PHI rate 0.7. There were 3 OSHA reportable PHI, a 0.3 rate. This is a 76% reduction in total PHI and 83% reduction of OSHA reportable PHI compared to 2021.
Cost Savings
Baseline PHI Workers Compensation cost per injury is $16,574. Reduction of 15 reportable PHI in 2022 saved $248,603.
Discussion
A multimodal team approach to Safe Patient Handling saves money and prevents suffering by our valued teammates.
Affiliations
Advocate South Suburban Hospital