Creating a culture of change through implementation of a safe patient handling program.
Health care professionals have a high risk for being injured while moving patients manually. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) realized a need to reduce injuries suffered during patient movement. A UIHC multidisciplinary task force consulted the latest research, trialed products, and involved employees in selecting equipment for and implementing a safe patient handling program. This program resulted in a 76% reduction in lost workdays and an 85% reduction in workers' compensation costs. The keys to this program were involving employees, partnering with a key vendor, engaging change agents at the unit level, and applying persistence and re-education to staff.
Stenger
Karen
K
Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Intensive and Specialty Services 5JPP, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Montgomery
Lou Ann
LA
Briesemeister
Eric
E
D000041:Absenteeism; D000465:Algorithms; D003663:Decision Trees; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014942:Workers' Compensation