Patient Outcomes: Can SPH equipment improve patient outcomes?

Is there research that shows improved outcomes with use of SPH equipment specifically in the in-patient rehab setting?

Jeannette Murphy
St. Luke's Rehab

Dear Jeannette:

We believe the topic you raise – patient outcomes – will become one of the major focal points of the safe patient handling movement over the next few years. It appears that very little evidence-based research has been done to corroborate the anecdotal evidence which points toward improved outcomes when SPH equipment is used, including in rehabilitation settings.

For that reason, effective with this issue of Safe Lifting News (April 2010), we are introducing a Patient Outcomes section designed to collect and report on research leading to the identification and verification of benefits derived from using SPH in various settings, from acute care to home care.

Stay safe,
The Lift Doctor*