Implementing a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program to Prevent Staff Injury

Abstract

Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) programs are proven to protect healthcare workers such as registered nurses (RNs), licensed practice nurses (LPNs) and nursing assistants (NAs) from work-related injury secondary to patient handling. Improving the safety of the rehabilitation staff was the purpose of implementing this evidence-based project. The objectives were to increase the knowledge and practice of SPHM principles by healthcare workers in the rehabilitation department and decrease work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) the total claims, restricted work hours, and lost workdays. Findings included a 90% reduction in restricted work hours, and a 91% improvement lost days over the prior year (PY). Total worker’s compensation claims resulted in a 33% reduction over the PY. Worker’s compensation expense for FY 2020 was annualized to improve by a 95% reduction with the implementation of an SPHM program. Prior to staff training, a pre-assessment survey was administered, and the last three questions provide a baseline to evaluate weekly improvement in the adaptation to behavior changes and compliance with the SPHM program principles. The behavior change with SPHM program compliance was measured over a 12-week period; whereas, compliance with the principles of the SPHM program improved from 20% to 80% on weekly rounds.