Integrating Safe Patient Handling and Mobility into the DPT Classroom Flashcards
What is Safe Patient Handling and Mobility ?
involves the use of assistive devices to ensure that patients can be mobilized safely and that care providers avoid performing high-risk manual patient handling tasks
Using the devices reduces a care provider’s risk of injury and improves the safety and quality of patient care
Work related injury
1) health care and social assistance
2) manufacturing
3) retail trade
Myth: You can train workers to use proper body mechanics and avoid injuries
Fact: More than 30 years of research and experience shows that relying on proper body mechanics or manual lifting techniques alone is not effective to reduce back and other musculoskeletal injuries
A comprehensive safe patient handling program that combines management commitment, employee involvement, policies, mechanical equipment, training, and maintenance is needed.
Myth: Patients are not as comfortable or safe with mechanical lifting
Fact: Patient education can reinforce that the lift is for the patient’s safety as well as the caregiver’s
Patient handling equipment can help prevent patient falls, bruises, and skin tears
Studies have shown that patients feel more comfortable and secure when a mechanical transfer device is used
Myth: It takes less time to manually move patients than to use lift equipment
Fact: It can actually take much longer to round up a team of colleagues to manually lift a patient than to find and use lifting equipment
It has been found that using mechanical devices to transfer patients takes fewer personnel and about five minutes less, overall, than manual transfers
Myth: Having mechanical lift equipment alone ensures safe patient handling
Fact: Training is key to the success of any safe patient handling program
In addition, many healthcare facilities lack conveniently located storage space for portable lifts
Routine servicing and maintenance are also needed.
What are some ways hospitals are trying to reduce injury in the workplace?
Creating hospital policies on safe patient handling
Creating safe patient mobility training programs for hospital staff
National institute for Occupation and Health (NIOSHA) recommended a ___ maximum weight limit for use in patient-handling tasks.
____ should be utilized when lifting exceeds this limit.
35lb
Assistive devices
BMAT
bedside mobility assessment tool for nurses
4 levels
BMAT level 1
assessment of trunk strength & seated balance
use total lift with sling and/or repositioning sheet and/or straps
use lateral transfer device such as roll board, friction reducing (slide sheets/tube) or air assisted devices
if patient has strict bed rest or bilateral NWB restrictions - don’t proceed with assessment
BMAT level 2
assessment of lower extremity strength and stability
use total lift for patient unable to WB on at least one leg
use sit-to-stand lift for patient who can WB on at least one leg
BMAT level 3
assessment of lower extremity strength for standing
use non-powered raising/stand aid
default to powered sit-to-stand lift if no stand aid available
use total lift with ambulation accessories
use ADs
patient passes assessment level 3 but requires AD to ambulate or cognitive assessment indicates poor safety awareness = patient is mobility level 3
BMAT level 4
assessment of standing balance and gait
if patient shows signs of unsteady gait or fails assessment level 4 = refer back to mobility level 3
pass = modified independence
SARA Stedy
Non-powered
Sit to Stand Aide
Transfer device NOT ambulation
Qualifications for use:
Pt needs to be able to stand on their own without assistance
Sara Stedy Therapeutic Interventions
Step preparation on and off the platform
Squats
Sit to stands
Reaching across midline/unsupported
Weight shifting
Standing ADLs (reaching into cabinet, grooming at sink, etc)
SARA Flex
Powered
Sit to Stand Aide
Transfer device NOT ambulation
Qualifications for use:
Pt needs to be able to demonstrate adequate trunk control at edge of bed
SARA Flex Therapeutic Intervention
Trunk control for edge of bed sitting (use device as second set of hands)
Scooting edge of bed
Orthostatic vital sign measure in a safe position
Portable standing frame:
promotes upright tolerance/weight bearing through lower extremities
Work on standing ADLs
SARA Plus
Powered
Sit to stand Aide
Ambulation and transfers Aide
Qualifications for use:
Pt needs to be able to demonstrate adequate trunk control at edge of bed
SARA Plus Therapeutic Intervention
Trunk control for edge of bed sitting (use device as second set of hands)
Scooting edge of bed
Portable standing frame:
promotes upright tolerance/weight bearing through lower extremities
Work on standing ADLs
Ambulation!
Maxi Move
Dependent Lift (powered)
Repositioning aide
Ambulation device
Limb slings for AROM/PROM (154#) weight limit
Maxi Move Therapeutic Intervention
Facilitate turning in bed
Transfer patient out of bed to recliner chair
Beings activation
Sitting in wheelchair (upright posture)
Sitting tolerance
Limb sling for range of motion
Walking vest for ambulation
Maxi Slide
In Bed use only
Patient repositioning (requires 2 person assist)
3 sizes
- Bariatric (orange), Medium (blue), Small (purple)
1 hand width on either side for fit
“Bottom is water, Top is boat”
Maxi Slide Therapeutic Intervention:
Leg press
“Scoot” up and down in bed
Heel slides
Active Assist Range of Motion
Increasing independence when turning right and left
Lateral scooting for improved trunk control
HoverMatt
1 size
Requires vacuum for use
Counts as 1 layer under patient (4 layer max for skin protection)
Mat can stay under patient
Formal recommendation for 2 person assist
Therapeutic Intervention:
Total assist boost in bed/positioning
