Technology solutions for high-risk tasks in critical care.
There are several high-risk nursing tasks in the critical care environment discussed in this article. These tasks include lateral transfers, repositioning patients up or side to side in bed, bed-to-chair or -wheelchair transfers, pericare of bariatric patients, toileting in bed, sustained limb holding for dressing wounds, and patient transport. Although many, if not all, of these tasks currently are performed manually, there are technological solutions available that undoubtedly can reduce the risks for caregiver and patient injuries. These solutions should be implemented in critical care to promote the safety of all involved in patient care.
Baptiste
Andrea
A
Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, James A. Haley VAMC, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. andrea.baptiste@va.gov
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001494:Baths / Q000451:nursing; D001510:Bed Rest / Q000451:nursing; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D016272:Occupational Health; D011187:Posture; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods; D017592:Skin Care / Q000451:nursing; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods*