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Emory Healthcare’s Safe Patient Handling Program

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Advances in Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare and Medical Devices (AHFE 2018)

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 779))

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Abstract

Nursing staff are ranked sixth for highest at-risk for musculoskeletal injuries. Nurses may manually lift up to 2.7 tons in 12 h. Patients are admitted to the hospital sicker and heavier creating a physical challenge for nursing staff. Emory Healthcare launched a Safe Patient Handling Study in 2007 with an ergonomic analysis. 24% of the hospital injuries and 41% of skilled care nursing facility injuries were due to repositioning and transporting patients. The workers’ compensation costs were up to $4 million yearly. Lift equipment trials were set up. Emory’s Safe Patient Handling Program was implemented in November 2009. A dedicated safe patient handling nurse oversaw training and lift equipment installation. Challenges included maintaining lift sheets and consistent equipment utilization. With nursing education and administrative support, there was a 12.5% cumulative reduction in injuries in 2014. Emory Healthcare is dedicated to keeping nursing staff safe and injury free.

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References

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. https://wwwbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm. Accessed 30 Jan 2018

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Emory Healthcare, 1364 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA

    Kathy Norris

Authors
  1. Kathy Norris
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kathy Norris .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Veterans Affairs - Center for Applied Systems Engineering, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

    Nancy J. Lightner

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Norris, K. (2019). Emory Healthcare’s Safe Patient Handling Program. In: Lightner, N. (eds) Advances in Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare and Medical Devices. AHFE 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 779. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94373-2_24

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