Typical comments from readers

• I think when the facility begins the process of becoming a "safe patient handling" facility, part of the process is educating the public. If this is done correctly, the patient comes in with some knowledge and the education continues from the staff. The education needs to focus on lack of independent mobility and everyone’s safety, not the just the weight of the patient. Done in this manner, a consent shouldn't be needed.
• We have too much paper work already and papers for the patient to sign
• Lifting decision is the healthcare facility’s decision.
• We are working on a pt education brochure to come in their welcome folder. Then the nursing staff can quick go over it before the first use.
• The safety of staff and residents should be the number one priority
• It does not seem that this is an option. Patients are not asked about the other types of safety precautions (types of syringes & needles, use of gloves for universal precautions). Employees must be provided safe work environment and use of lifts is one part. If pt. have valid concerns, these should be addressed while maintaining safety.
• This is in keeping with behavior based safety principles which say that signing such a statement can increase commitment and the likelihood they will cooperate
• All residents up front should be made aware of the safe patient handling campaign - resident council vote - letters to families, part of the admission packet. If a resident has an issue with the safety campaign in your facility they have an option to be admitted some where else.
• You can't take away patients' rights.
• The obesity rate in the US is nearly an epidemic. Caregivers need all the help they can reasonably obtain.
• Would you sign something like this? Without seeing the device or the people that are going to put you in it? Would you sign a blanket statement saying that you would take whatever medication the doctor wants you to take before hearing your options? NO no no.
• Could be added to the hospitalization consent to service form
• I understand patient rights, but they shouldn't have a choice if they need to be lifted up and possible harm could be done to the caregiver or the patient.
• I think if patients are required to sign consent to have blood tests in the case of healthcare provider being exposed to blood/body fluids in order to protect our caregivers, they should have no problem with mechanical lifting to prevent injury to our caregivers...what does OSHA think?
• Educating the patient about the possible need to utilize mechanical means for their safety as well as the staff's safety is key. Although I would not expect the staff to put the patient's safety or their safety in jeopardy due to patient refusal, I don't think requiring the patient to sign a consent is the answer.
• It is no different than use of any other equipment to treat their condition.
• What are the consequences if they refuse to sign or sign and refuse use?
• If the institution has a safe patient handling policy, the patient is informed of this. Furthermore, we can consider this as a non-compliant patient and a safety issue for both the patient and our staff and have the patient transferred to another facility.
• In LTC residents have a right to refuse any treatment including being lifted by mechanical means. However, we also have the duty to maintain a safe environment, so in our facility if a resident refuses to be lifted via a device, we educate them that it is a safety issue for them as well as our staff. Approach to them is the key to making a minimal lift facility work!
• If pt's are unable to ambulate or move about in their bed without caregiver assistance...then YES they should either agree to mechanical lifts or supply THEIR own lift team!!
• Our facility has instituted a no lift policy as we have ceiling lifts in all rooms. If a pt refuses, we have the safety director explain to them the need for the equipment and usage of it by the staff. If they still refuse, they sign a waver of liability.
• In our SNF residents sign an admission agreement to follow safety rules - they do not have a right to endanger themselves or our employees.
• I think it is a good policy idea but is not the final solution to this problem. I find staff to be the greater barrier to implementing safe lifting -- not patients.
• Facilities need to read the F-tags relating to providing the best care available. In the end this is a part of care.
• The family needs to be educated of the need and changing needs. The family should sign off, and if they refuse they have the right to look elsewhere for care for their family member.
• Depending on their injuries, patients do refuse to be lifted by mechanical means thereby exposing the caregiver also to possible injuries. The idea of patients signing "consent forms" upon admission is awesome!
• Not all patients are rational. Don't give them one more thing to use AGAINST the people who are trying to help them heal - or survive!
• Patients are required to sign consent for treatment upon admission. As far as I am concerned, mobility is part of treatment.
• Absolutely.

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