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Assess Patient Dependency Levels. Preventing Back Injuries: Safe Patient Handling and Movement.
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Assess Patient Dependency Levels Preventing Back Injuries: Safe Patient Handling and Movement Select equipment after assessing the patient’s ability to provide assistance in the transfer, ability to bear weight, their upper extremity strength, their height and weight, as well as special circumstances, and specific orders Questions? If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Supervisor, Manager, or Safety Director. ALWAYS USE LIFTING EQUIPMENT!!!
DISABLING INJURIES Every day, nurses suffer debilitating and often career-ending and life-altering injuries from repeatedly lifting and moving patients. Back injuries affect up to 38% of all nurses. More than any other work-related injury or illness, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are responsible for lost work time, the need for protracted medical care, and permanent disability among health care workers. MSDs are caused by any combination of the following factors: Awkward or fixed posture: working in an awkward position or holding the same position for a long time. For example: • Repositioning or turning patients in bed (side rails are up, bed is too low, and the provider reaches across patient) • Attaching gait or transfer belts with handles (the bed or chair is too low or far away) • Providing in-bed medical care (the bed is too low and side rails are up) • Washing patients’ legs and feet in a shower chair (the shower chair is too low and access is limited) Repetitive tasks: repeated repositioning in bed, numerous transfers to and from beds, chairs, or commodes without rest breaks. Forceful exertions: lifting or transferring heavy patients, unexpected or abrupt forceful motions, stopping patient falls or lifting them off the floor after a fall. Standing: standing for more than four hours. LIFTING EQUIPMENT Good work practices must be combined with the use of appropriate equipment. Not all lifting devices are the same. Proper equipment selection depends on the specific needs of the facility.