Biomechanics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Biomechanics, including details on mechanics of living organisms, movement, locomotion, prosthetic limbs.

Creating a culture of change through implementation of a safe patient handling program.

Stenger K, Montgomery LA, Briesemeister E

Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Intensive and Specialty Services 5JPP, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.

Health care professionals have a high risk for being injured while moving patients manually. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) realized a need to reduce injuries suffered during patient movement. A UIHC multidisciplinary task force consulted the latest research, trialed products, and involved employees in selecting equipment for and implementing a safe patient handling program. This program resulted in a 76% reduction in lost workdays and an 85% reduction in workers' compensation costs. The keys to this program were involving employees, partnering with a key vendor, engaging change agents at the unit level, and applying persistence and re-education to staff.

Published 21 May 2007 in Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am, 19(2): 213-22.
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