1. SAFE PATIENT HANDLING ALGOROTHM’S AND CLINICAL ASSESSMENT TOOL
Pamela McNamara RN BSN, Graduate ResearchProject, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Abstract
Healthcare providers who manually mobilize dependent patients are at high risk for musculoskeletal injury
(MSI). Findings from patient care ergonomics research and US labor statistics support this claim (Li, Wolf
& Evanoff , 2004;.Charney, Simmons, Larry, Metz S.,2006; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2007).
Consequently, a healthcare facility’s purchase of mechanical lifting equipment (MLE) has become common
preventative practice. However, despite MLE availability, actual MLE usage is lacking in hospitals when
multi-component patient handling interventions (MCPHI) are absent. MCPHIs include a restricted or
minimal manual lift policy, formal training in the use of the MLE available, and task-specific SPH
protocols premised on evidence-based patient ergonomic assessments. Data analysis of orthopedic nurse
participants’ responses pre and post MCPHIs, demonstrate barriers to adoption in acute care hospitals
(Schoenfisch et al, 2011; Enqkvist, 2007). This proposed study aims to explore factors associated with
adoption of a nursing-specialty focused MCPHI protocol designed particularly for orthopedic patient
mobilization. Safe Patient Handling (SPH) program adoption and effectiveness will be evidenced through
study outcome measures that quantify MSI among HCP who perform orthopedic patient ergonomic tasks.
Through measurement of the same, a correlation between MSI occurrence and the newly instituted MCPHI
protocol can be demonstrated. Qualitative data will be acquired through pre and post SPH intervention
questionnaires and interactive focus groups with nurses, and other direct care HCP. Qualitative outcome
measures will delineate factors which influence SPH program adoption. Combined, the qualitative and
quantitative data will be used to empirically recommend multimodal practice modifications to reduce MSI..
These evidence-based changes will be endorsed by the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON)
to guide SPH protocol, policy and education in healthcare settings where orthopedic nursing is practiced