Results of Last Month's Poll:

Following are the results of last month’s poll: "Which factors would make your injury prevention program more effective?" The results are ranked in order of importance based on weighted averages (most votes received).

1. Buy-in of peer leaders
2. More emphasis on changing our culture
3. More patient handling equipment
4. Stronger enforcement of policies
5. More training for caregivers
6. Greater administrative support
7. Better access to existing equipment

Newly Released Video Documentary on Gundersen Lutheran

The Safe Lifting Portal has released a 14 minute DVD “Field Report” that documents the success of Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin, including the hospital’s outstanding accomplishments in safe patient handling, and caregiver injury prevention.   The report discusses the background and accomplishments of the hospital’s safe patient handling program which began in 2003.  Among the documented results of the program was a 57% decrease in the number of patient handling claims.  In addition, lost time went down 78% and restricted time decreased 81%. Click here to view an excerpt of the Field Report and/or order a copy of the DVD.

National Priorities and Goals: Aligning Our Efforts to Transform America’s Healthcare

The National Priorities Partnership is a collaborative effort of 28 major national organizations that collectively influence every part of the American healthcare system.  This 67-page report documents how we must fundamentally change the ways in which we deliver care that is safe, effective and affordable.   To read the report, click here.

Ohio State survey documents nursing homes risks

According to William Marras, PhD, “…changing the way people lift doesn’t seem to control the risk…we’re going to have to get lifting devices to help workers transfer patients.”   Read the report here.

Basics of Back Injury Prevention

Many factors affect back injuries among healthcare personnel: an aging workforce, sicker patients, staffing shortages, obesity in both patients and employees, gender, and stress due to organizational change. This Premier site discusses these factors.

Health Care Community Responding to Obesity Epidemic

In response to the growing number of obese, morbidly obese and super obese patients, various adaptations are being made in the health care community, with changes needed at nearly every level of response — from emergency vehicles to gurneys to hospital rooms. These changes include investment in new equipment that can handle more patients who strain the limits of standard equipment, as well as revised training for staff who need to learn how to safely lift and move heavy patients.

Safe Patient Handling: A Worthy Investment

This PowerPoint presentation presented by the Oregon OSHA organization, documents the relationship between injury rates and the nursing shortage. Includes direct and indirect costs of injuries, total injury estimates, and the anticipated costs and proven benefits of safe patient handling programs. Recommended viewing for SPH committees and others interested in this timely topic.