# data[].attributes.body
Slippy slide and slide board to transfer patients from bed to stretcher or from stretcher to bed.

# data[].attributes.body
Chairs capable of laying flat for easier transfers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Issue:  The Prevention of musculoskeletal Staff injuries

# data[].attributes.subject
Issue:  The Prevention of musculoskeletal Staff injuries

# data[].attributes.body
When staff are not trained appropriate ergonomics and techniques for mobilizing patients they are injured at a rate that exceeds other professions, such as Construction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Uploaded by Heather Trail on 2017-05-02.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Mandatory lifting and lifting equipment education provided to new hires.

2. Implementing a NO lift policy

3. Implement a mandatory yearly competency training to reenforce proper lifting techniques put on by physical therapists and proper use of lifting equipment.

4. Install 2 ceiling lifts in each arm capable of holding up to 1000 lbs. for transfers.

# data[].attributes.body
Me:  Could you please describe the events that lead up to you injuring you back on a patient?
Rachel:  I had a 400 lb. patient who needed to be lifted up in the bed.  Another nurse and I used the TAPS system but when we went to hoist up the patient my back popped.
Me:  Do you think you could have done anything differently to help preventl your injury?
Rachel:  The other nurse and I should have gotten another person to help lift, I should have used better body mechanics, and/or we should have had the hoyer lift to help us.

# data[].attributes.body
Reclining chair in patient rooms to help with heavy transfers:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Uploaded by Heather Trail on 2017-05-02.

# data[].attributes.headline
Analysis 1:  Injuries related to handling overweight/obese patients

# data[].attributes.subject
Analysis 1:  Injuries related to handling overweight/obese patients

# data[].attributes.body
Nurses role in work-related injuries.

How their decisions can either improve or exacerbate the issue.

# data[].attributes.body
Holistic approach to patient safety:
A holistic approach to the safety of a patient includes a policy on who to handle the lifting equipment, ergonomic training programs, proper body mechanics training, support from management, participation of the nursing staff in all aspects, continuous training, and properly maintained and available equipment. This is key to maintaining a safe environment for both the
patient and the nursing staff.

Communication:
Communication is the corner stone of preventing musculoskeletal injuries in nursing staff. Without it, no nurse would be able to his or her job properly. That is why it is imperative for nursing staff to be properly educated on how to use lifting devices and how to use proper body mechanics. If the nursing staff is not all able to perform both duties correctly, not only does he or she run the risk of injury but the patient does as well. Communication is also imperative when it comes to informing the nursing staff about new equipment available to aid in the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.

# data[].attributes.body
Legal, financial, and social implications related to musculoskeletal work-related injuries

# data[].attributes.body
Nursing involvement in the prevention of work-related injuries is key to the reduction of injuries. Some of the ways nurses can help to lower the incidences of work-related injuries:

Nurses take a more leadership role in educating others on the importance in using the devices even if they believe it is inconvenient to retrieve the device.

The nursing staff should anticipate the lifting/positioning needs of a patient

Participation in training

Identify any hazards that can cause injury and assess the situation

Involving the nursing staff in the prevention of work-related injuries will help to reduce the incidences because they are the ones who are most susceptible to injury.  Making sure that nursing staff is properly educated on mechanical lifting and the use of lifting devices could help to reduce injury rates drastically.  This in essence will reduce the nurse's lost wages related to the injury, potential chronic pain resulting from the injury, and risk for higher insurance premiums.  Hazards arise when the nursing staff does not anticipate the needs of a patient.  For instance, when the nurse receives report from another floor or the ER he or she should ask him or her how the patient moves and how much he or she weighs.  Knowing this will allow for the nurse to prepare the room properly so that the patient and the staff can remain safe.

# data[].attributes.body
Abedini, R., Choobineh, A., & Hasanzadeh, J. (2015). Patient manual handling risk assessment among hospital nurses. Work, 50(4), 669-675. doi:10.3233/WOR-141826

Burdorf, A., Koppelaar, E., & Evanoff, B. (2013). Assessment of the impact of lifting device use on low back pain and musculoskeletal injury claims among nurses. Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 70(7), 491-497. doi:10.1136/oemed-2012-101210.

Choi, S. D., & Brings, K. (2016). Work-related musculoskeletal risks associated with nurses and nursing assistants handling overweight and obese patients: A literature review. Work, 53(2), 439-448. doi:10.3233/WOR-152222.

Geiger, J. S. (2013). Establishing a physical therapist-driven model of safe patient handling and movement programs in a general hospital. Work, 45(2), 147-160. doi:10.3233/WOR-121526.

Theis, J. L., & Finkelstein, M. J. (2014). Long-Term Effects of Safe Patient Handling Program on Staff Injuries. Rehabilitation Nursing, 39(1), 26-35. doi:10.1002/rnj.108.

Wanless, S., & Wanless, S. G. (2015). Hoisting a patient: Principles for safer practice. International Journal Of Therapy & Rehabilitation, 22(8), 390-395.

Yarboro. R., (2017). Personal Communication.

# data[].attributes.body
Impact on use of lifting (ergonomic) devices

Principles for safer practice.

Preventing injuries in the workplace