How this RN reduced the number of patient handling injuries — 3 insights

Roxanne Hupp, RN, an occupational health coordinator at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, Colo., implemented various strategies to reduce the hospital's number of patient handling injuries, according to Health Leaders Media.

In 2012, the hospital had 10 patient handling injuries, three of which were deemed serious. The hospital decreased this number to six patient handling injuries in 2013, two of which were serious. The following year, the hospital had six patient handling injuries, none of which were serious.

Here are three insights into how Ms. Hupp reduced that number from 10 to six:

1. Purchase the necessary equipment. Ms. Hupp purchased new lift equipment in 2012 using a $45,000 grant from Denver-based Catholic Health Initiatives. The equipment included lateral transfer air mattress devices and bariatric-friendly lifts and commodes. Ms. Hupp noted while the ICU houses the highest number of patients and most sick patients, it has the lowest injury rate because of better equipment and staff who knows how to properly utilize it.

2. Don't move too quickly. Safety should always be the first priority, rather than focusing on speed. Equipment may be handy here to improve efficiency. Rather than needing multiple people to move patients, lifting a patient can be a job for one person and the proper equipment.

3. Get patients and families on board. Educate both the patients and caregivers on how to get patients safely out of bed.

More articles on quality & infection control:
Survey: 90% of RNs say facilities should focus more on leadership skill development — 5 highlights
Health IT organizations call for HHS collaboration on enhanced patient identification solutions: 5 insights
Physicians around the globe worry about climate change & its impact on patient care — 5 things to know

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 


Patient Safety Tools & Resources Database

Featured Webinars

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Podcast