Safe patient handling programs first entered the healthcare landscape in the early 2000s, spurred by a critical need to reduce workplace injuries and improve patient safety. Since then, several states have enacted safe patient handling legislation mandating these programs in their healthcare settings.
In long-term care and post-acute settings, safe patient handling implementation remains variable. Some facilities do not have programs, and the ones that do may have robust training and quality equipment or may struggle with developing a formalized program.
Because these programs have shown significant benefit, as long-term and post-acute care organizations look to adapt to the changing demands of today’s healthcare industry, safe patient handling programs should be a key priority in operational and clinical workflows.
Staffing shortages are front and center in the healthcare industry, with essential personnel in critically short supply. In long-term and post-acute care, workplace injuries related to patient handling have significant impact: back injuries alone cost the industry an estimated $20 billion per year.
Certified nursing assistants, who represent some of the most commonly injured caregivers, leave their positions in nursing homes at a rate of 78% each year. And while retention is a concern, days lost to injury also play a role in staffing issues and the ability to provide efficient care.
Safe patient handling programs can help mitigate these concerns. In Minnesota, implementation of safe patient handling legislation resulted in a 38% reduction in lost-time worker’s compensation claims and 55% of nursing homes reduced patient handling injury claims. Safe patient handling with the right equipment is more efficient as well — requiring fewer personnel and less time.
For long-term care residents and post-acute patients, safe patient handling offers benefits that drive higher patient satisfaction: increased comfort and dignity, reduced risk of injuries during transfers (such as falls and skin tears), improved mobility (reducing risk of pressure injuries), shorter lengths of stay, and better rehabilitation outcomes.
Advanced technology in patient handling equipment is the foundation of a robust safe patient handling program. Equipment design should incorporate the latest medical research, technology, and clinical advancements.
When an organization invests in equipment, choosing equipment with superior function and durability helps safeguard that investment: equipment downtime is a known barrier to successful safe patient handling programs. High-quality equipment equals reliable functionality and fewer costly caregiver injuries.
A high-quality safe patient handling program with research-driven, evidence-based use of equipment should be incorporated into planning for new facilities, and as existing facilities modernize as well. Building a successful program is greatly enhanced by leaning into the expertise of safe patient handling providers who offer comprehensive support and change management. Some key elements facilities should be looking for include:
Integrating equipment like ceiling lifts requires a partner who understands the complexities of working with architects and builders through the design and planning phase and utilizes the latest Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology. A safe patient handling provider should offer a dedicated project manager to ensure customization and the highest quality outcomes.
Driving change management at a caregiver level is easier when workflows make sense and training is developed based on clinical best practices. It’s important for safe patient handling equipment providers to go beyond just offering the tools needed to provide safe care — showing caregivers how to use them is critical. When a safe patient handling provider’s team of clinical experts provides tailored clinical programs for healthcare professionals in a facility, safe patient handling is more successful.
Preventative maintenance and expert troubleshooting supports facilities in ensuring safe patient handling equipment is available when it’s needed. Having trained specialists available means facilities experience less downtime, staff can rely on the program to operate as intended (encouraging consistent use), and investments are protected.
By supporting better patient outcomes, reducing caregiver injury, increasing workplace satisfaction, and driving improved financial performance, safe patient handling programs remain a core part successful performance for long-term and post-acute care facilities.
Choosing the right equipment and partnering with a high-quality safe patient handling provider has significant impact on the success of any safe patient handling initiative. In a rapidly evolving healthcare industry, Savaria Patient Care offers best-in-class expertise, guidance and research-backed equipment to meet these needs across the long-term and post-acute landscape.
Acute Care
Long a pioneer in the mobility space, Savaria Patient Care has continually sought innovative ways to expand its impact on both patients and caregivers. As a part of this evolution, Savaria is pleased to announce a collaboration with EarlyMobility.com, enabling a more comprehensive approach to delivering high-quality mobility programs throughout the United States and Canada. […]
