Evidence-Based Practice: Use of Mechanical Devices for Transfers
In the process of researching and designing the SoloLift, our design manager assembled an invaluable collection of online resources supporting the use of Mechanical Devices for Transfers. After one look at them, we knew they were something we wanted to share. We distilled the collection down and added single sentence summaries with key quotes. Now we’re serving them up to you to use as you need.
Note: the red “$” at the end of the titles indicates the article supports the financial advantages of mechanical lifts.
Caregiving – A Look At No-Manual-Lift Programs $
This worthwhile article is from Prevent, Inc, which started in 1996. Their mission is to implement “Get A Lift!"® - a comprehensive program that successfully integrates the use of patient handling equipment into patient care.
“Implementation and maintenance of a successful no-manual-lift program first requires a commitment from all staff, and it must begin with the top managers…”
Betty Bogue, President, Prevent, Inc.
www.getalift.com
Nurse Safety:
Investments in Equipment, Training Help Prevent Back Injuries $
This article urges nurses and caregivers to take an active role in making healthcare a safer environment, using appropriate equipment.
“The United Kingdom implemented a "no-lift" policy in 1993 and saw an 84 percent reduction in lost work hours and a 98 percent drop in absenteeism due to lifting and handling…”
Debra Wood, RN
On The Job: Devices and Technology
www.nursezone.com
Long-term Effectiveness of “Zero-Lift Program” In Seven Nursing Homes and One Hospital (PDF) $
This long, substantial article is the landmark 1999 research study by Arun Garg. Research data was collected on staff injuries and workers’ compensation costs resulting from manual lifting and transferring of patients, prior to and following the implementation of a “Zero-Lift Program.”
“The primary objective of this study was to reduce injuries to health care workers resulting from manual lifting and transferring of patients.”
Arun Garg
University of Milwaukee, Wisconson
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
www.aft.org
Complacency Isn’t an Option $
This is a short interview with Stanley Hupfeld, the president and CEO of Integris Health, that launched a No-Lift safety program, designed to reduce workers' compensation costs and prevent work-related injuries.
“The equipment will help prevent the injuries…”
Interview: Susan Gurevitz with Stanley Hupfeld
www.riskandinsurance.com
Handle With Care (PDF) $
An excellent 19-page guide, providing the reasons for implementing a Safe Patient Handling program, and how to go about it.
“There is no safe way to manually lift a physically dependent adult patient.”
Patient Safety Center of Inquiry /Veterans Health Administration
www.nursingworld.org
Preventive Ergonomic Strategies Demonstrate Substantial Cost Benefit For Small to Mid-Size Employers (PDF) $
This 2006 paper emphasizes the need for an active role by management, employees and the ergonomist, in implementing a well-structured program, so that injuries are prevented and a return on investment is achieved.
“Employers that look beyond the financial profile of their company to understand the value of investing in the human asset will recognize and invest in preventing work injuries using ergonomic strategies.”
Alison Heller-Ono, MS, PT, CDA, CIE, CMC
2006 IEA Research Paper
www.worksiteinternational.com
Lifting Patients Poses High Risk for Back Injuries, Study Shows $
This short article summarizes the results of a 1999 groundbreaking research study by Ohio State University Researchers.
“Changing the way people lift doesn’t seem to control the risk in these situations, so we’re going to have to get lifting devices to help workers transfer patients…”
Pam Frost
Ohio State University Research News
Search Archives
A Comprehensive Analysis of Low-Back Disorder Risk and Spinal Loading during the Transferring and Repositioning of Patients using Different Techniques (PDF)
Here is the full text of the research study by William S Marras, PhD, CPE at the Biodynamics Laboratory in Ohio State University.
“…to have an impact on Low Back Disorder, it is necessary to provide mechanical lift assist devices.”
W S Marras
Laboratory Investigations
Biodynamics Laboratory, The Ohio State University
www.osu.edu/research
Guidelines for Nursing Homes (PDF) $
This comprehensive 38-page booklet outlines problems and solutions for resident lifting, and other activities that pose risk for caregiver injury.
“These guidelines provide recommendations for nursing home employers to help
reduce the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in
their facilities…”
Read this document on-line (OSHA website)
OSHA Consultation Program
US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Elements of a Safe Mobility Program
This interview with Guy Fragala, Ergonometric Engineering Consultant, in January 2007 Nursing Homes Magazine discusses the importance of developing specific care plans and giving staff the tools and training they need to implement them.
“The ultimate goal is to create that culture of safety. For this to happen, every facility needs a ‘champion’ for the cause—that’s another key element of the new approach…We are still moving toward zero-lifting as a goal.”
Interview: Peck with Guy Fragala
Nursing Homes Article Archives
www.nursinghomesmagazine.com
Progress on the No Lift Front
This short article from April 2004 Nursing Homes Magazine, summarizes an interview with Guy Fragala, Ergonometric Engineering Consultant, and discusses the increasing use of mechanical devices to accomplish safe patient transfers.
“Fortunately, trends in lift technology and its acceptance are supporting this progress.”
Guy Fragala, PhD, PE, CSP
Ergonometric Engineering Consultant
Environmental Health and Engineering
State of the Science in Ergonomics
This informative speech, presented at the 4th Annual Safe Patient Handling Conference in 2004, discusses current research in safe patient handling and injury prevention.
“We have come a long way in recognizing that "no lift" or "zero lift" programs are effective and should be supported in most health care environments.”
Thomas Waters, PhD, CPE
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
A Collaborative Evidence-Based Approach to Making Healthcare a Healthier Place to Work (PDF)
This referenced paper discusses a Canadian collaborative approach that identifies and implements evidence-based best practices to address workplace health concerns.
“The well being of the healthcare workforce merits serious consideration by healthcare decision-makers.”
Yassi A, Ostry AS, Spiegel J, MA, Walsh G, de Boer HM
Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in British Columbia
Center for Health and Environment Research, University of British Columbia
Cost Effectiveness of a Multifaceted Program for Safe Patient Handling (PDF) $
This 18-month observational study measured the incidence and severity of injury to caregivers before and after the Safe Patient Handling and Movement project, introduced by The Patient Safety Center in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
“Incidence and severity of injuries to health care workers decreased, and there was general satisfaction with use of equipment by patients and patient handlers…”
Kris Siddharthan, Audrey Nelson, Hope Tiesman, FangFei Chen
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
http://www.patientsafety.gov/
Patient Care Ergonomics Resource Guide: Safe Patient Handling and Movement (PDF)
This downloadable book, more than 180 pages, was developed by the Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, Veterans Health Administration. Extensive coverage of the topic includes the development of a No-Lift policy.
“The goal of this guidebook is to reduce the incidence and severity of job-related injuries related to patient handling…”
Audrey L Nelson, PhD, RN, FAAN
National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS)
www.patientsafety.gov
Business Case for Patient Safety (PDF) $
This two-page flier introduces the initiative of the Veteran’s Affairs National Center for Patient Safety to help patient safety managers make a business case for patient safety.
“Benefit cost analysis compares the amount of savings gained through an investment in patient safety…”
National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS)
www.patientsafety.gov
An Evaluation of a ‘‘Best Practices’’ Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program in Nursing Homes $ (To read this 2004 article from Injury Prevention, register on-line here.)
Data was collected from January 1995 through December 2000, at six nursing homes, showing a significant reduction in injury incidence, workers’ compensation costs, and lost workday injuries, after implementing a “Best Practices” program.
“…‘Best practices’ musculoskeletal injury prevention program consisting of mechanical lifts and repositioning aids, a zero lift policy, and employee training on lift usage.”
J W Collins, L Wolf, J Bell, B Evanoff
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/