One major source of injury to healthcare workers is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In 2017, nursing assistants had the second
highest number of cases of MSDs. There were 18,090 days away from work cases, which equates to an incidence rate (IR) of 166.3 per 10,000 workers, more than five times the average for all industries. This compares to the all-worker days-away from work rate of 30.5 per 10,000 workers. These injuries are due in large part to overexertion related to repeated manual patient handling activities, often involving heavy manual lifting associated with transferring, and repositioning patients and working in extremely awkward postures. Some examples of patient handling tasks that may be identified as high-risk include: transferring from toilet to chair, transferring from chair to bed, transferring from bathtub to chair, repositioning from side to side in bed, lifting a patient in bed, repositioning a patient in chair, or making a bed with a patient in it. Sprains and strains are the most often reported nature of injuries, and the shoulders and low back are the most affected body parts. The problem of lifting patients is compounded by the increasing weight of patients to be lifted due to the obesity epidemic in the United States and the rapidly increasing number of older people who require assistance with the activities of daily living. The consequences of work-related musculoskeletal injuries among nurses are substantial. Along with higher employer costs due to medical expenses, disability compensation, and litigation, nurse injuries also are costly in terms of chronic pain and functional disability, absenteeism, and turnover. As many as 20% of nurses who leave direct patient care positions do so because of risks associated with the work. Direct and indirect costs associated with only back injuries in the healthcare industry are estimated to be $20 billion annually. In addition, healthcare employees, who experience pain and fatigue, may be less productive, less attentive, more susceptible to further injury, and may be more likely to affect the health and safety of others. Industries where patient handling tasks are performed include:
Some examples of areas of a facility that may be identified as high-risk include: bathing rooms, extended care wings, and diagnostic units (e.g., radiology, emergency department, spinal unit, orthopedics department). Given the increasingly hazardous biomechanical demands on caregivers today, it is clear the healthcare industry must rely on technology to make patient handling and movement safe. Patient transfer and lifting devices are key components of an effective program to control the risk of injury to patients and staff associated with lifting, transferring, repositioning or movement of patients. Essential elements of such a program include management commitment to implement a safe patient handling program and to provide workers with appropriate measures to avoid manual handling; worker participation in the assessment and implementation processes and the evaluation and selection of patient handling devices; a thorough hazard assessment that addresses high risk units or areas; investment in equipment; care planning for patient handling and movement; training for staff; and program review and evaluation processes. The education and training of healthcare employees should be geared towards assessment of hazards in the healthcare work setting, selection and use of the appropriate patient lifting equipment and devices, and review of research-based practices of safe patient handling. The use of assistive patient handling equipment and devices is beneficial not only for healthcare staff, but also for patients. Explaining planned lifting procedures to patients prior to lifting and enlisting their cooperation and engagement can increase patient safety and comfort, and enhance their sense of dignity. Hazards and Solutions (Transfer, Repositioning, and Lifting Devices)Acute Care and Long Term Healthcare Workers
Home Healthcare Workers
Physical Therapists
Radiologists
Sonographers
Training and Additional Resources
State LegislationState LegislationA-1136 safe patient handling legislation signed into law October 2011. SB 879 safe patient handling legislation signed into law April 2007. HB 712.2 safe patient handling legislation signed into law May 2007. S-1758/A-3028 safe patient handling practice act signed into law January 2008. Title 1-A of Article 29-D, added to the Public Health Law by Chapter 60 of the Laws of 2014, Part A, §20 House Bill 67 was signed into law on March 21, 2006, Section 4121.48. Repealed effective June 20, 2015. House 7386 and Senate 2760 passed on July 7, 2006. Senate Bill 1525 was signed into law on June 17, 2005. House Bill 1672 was signed into law on March 22, 2006. Starting a Safe Patient Handling ProgramThrough the Alliance between OSHA and the Association of Occupational Health Professionals (AOHP) (concluded 10/2012), AOHP and OSHA produced "Beyond Getting Started: A Resource Guide for Implementing a Safe Patient Handling Program in the Acute Care Setting." The Alliance recognized that patient handling practices impact not only healthcare workers but also patients. Safe patient handling practices reduce the risk of the patient falling or experiencing other negative outcomes. In addition, implementing safe patient handling practices will reduce a healthcare facility's financial burden with regard to patient claims and workers' compensation claims. Safe patient handling programs frequently are initiated by or become the responsibility of healthcare providers themselves. In some cases, this new responsibility may not include the additional resources to implement a program effectively and efficiently. "Beyond Getting Started: A Resource Guide for Implementing a Safe Patient Handling Program in the Acute Care Setting":
This resource guide identifies the basic steps and processes necessary to implement a safe patient handling program in a comprehensive manner, including the need for adequate funding. Whereas this guide was initially focused upon occupational health care providers, much of the information holds true, is transferrable, and may be easily augmented to address safe patient handling programs in other healthcare fields as well. Which of the following could put a nurse or healthcare worker at risk for sustaining a back injury?For nurses, heavy lifting is the most significant risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in the lower back [14].
When transferring a patient from a bed to a chair the nurse should use which of the following to avoid back injury?Hold a strong abdominal contraction. Position your body close to your loved one to decrease strain on your back. Before movement, contract your abdominal muscles to protect your back. Use your knees and your lower body during transfer to decrease strain on your back.
Which nursing action is important after transferring a patient to a wheelchair quizlet?Which nursing action is important after transferring a patient to a wheelchair? Ensuring the patient is in functional body alignment, to avoid any strain on neuromusculoskeletal structures of the body.
When transferring a patient from the bed to the chair the nurse should first?Have the client sit on the side of the bed for several minutes before moving to the chair. The nurse is transferring the client from the bed to a wheelchair when the client reports dizziness. What is the next step for the nurse? Firmly grasp the gait belt and gently lower the client into bed.
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