Body Mechanics Flashcards
Manual Handling - Definition
Any transporting or supporting of a load (including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, supporting, carrying or moving it) by hand or bodily force.
Hazard vs. Risk
Hazard is something that has potential to cause harm while risk is the likelihood and consequences of the hazard actually causing harm.
Risk Management Process - 4 Steps
Physiotherapists are expected to decide if the benefits of mobilization outweigh the risks.
Step 1: Avoidance: avoid as far as reasonably practicable.
Step 2: Suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
Step 3: Risk reduction and management.
Step 4: Review and monitor: what could have been better.
ELITE Factors
Used for conducting risk assessment.
- Environment
- Load
- Individual (human)
- Task
- Equipment
Environment - Elite Factors
Inside patient care area: waste disposal or sharps management (hospital equipment, I.V.). workload demands, pace of change, available resources.
Outside patient care area: walkways, steps, railings (important), wet floors.
Load - Elite Factors
Patient.
- Medical condition
- Medication effects
- Condition of skin
- Height
- Weight
- Cognition
- Pain
Individual - Elite Factors
Handler (therapist) • knowledge • skills & experience • judgment • stress level • communication skill • physical capabilities • adequacy of record keeping • ability to monitor and observe, etc.
Task - Elite Factors
Intervention/treatment (e.g. manipulation, transfers, exercise..)
Consider each sub-task. (e.g. level of supporting evidence, experience in performing, suitability for patient…)
Equipment - Elite Factors
e.g. sharp needles, walking frame, therapy bands, clothing…
Make sure there is no equipment in the way and make sure you have all equipment you need BEFORE starting treatment.
Equipment risk! e.g. proper maintenance, suitability for patient, disposal of sharp objects…
Questions Regarding the Load (Patient)
Can they follow instructions? Can they weight bear? Can they bridge, do a SLR test? Can they sit up with no support? What type of assistance do they need?
Consideration Regarding Environment
- Check if there is adequate space
- Is the available equipment working properly?
- Are there any hazards identified and removed?
- Do I have the proper equipment (eg. walking equipment…) ?
- Is the set up proper ?
Considerations Regarding Individual (Therapist)
- Am I trained?
- Ensure that you wear non slip footwear
- Keep you spine in neutral position- avoid twist, side bend
- designate a leader who will coordinate the mobilization/ transfer.
- Am I using safe body movements?
Considerations Regarding Task
Does patient have cognition, sit balance, strength, stand balance to do the task?
Ensure adequate nr of carers and assistive devices if needed.
Plan time effectively, have enough time to perform activity.
Equipment and Other Considerations
Explore social situation of patient (live alone? stairs?)
Check if there is enough room for patient to move in his home if he has f.ex. a walking frame.
Manual Handling Operation - Definition and Risks
Any task involving supporting or transporting any load by human effort including lifting, carrying, holding or supporting in a static posture, pulling, pushing, lowering a load.
↑ Risk of injury, especially to the lumbar spine (of physio)
