Implications for patient safety in the use of safe patient handling equipment: a national survey.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among nursing staff has been high due to patient handling and movement. Internationally, healthcare organizations are integrating technological equipment into patient handling and movement to improve safety. Although evidence shows that safe patient handling programs reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries in nursing staff, it is not clear how safe these new programs are for patients.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore adverse patient events associated with safe patient handling programs and preventive approaches in US Veterans Affairs medical centers.
METHODS: The study surveyed a convenience sample of safe patient handling program managers from 51 US Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to collect data on skin-related and fall-related adverse patient events.
RESULTS: Both skin- and fall-related adverse patient events associated with safe patient handling occurred at VA Medical centers. Skin-related events included abrasions, contusions, pressure ulcers and lacerations. Fall-related events included sprains and strains, fractures, concussions and bleeding. Program managers described contextual factors in these adverse events and ways of preventing the events.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of safe patient handling equipment can pose risks for patients. This study found that organizational factors, human factors and technology factors were associated with patient adverse events. The findings have implications for how nursing professionals can implement safe patient handling programs in ways that are safe for both staff and patients. Published by Elsevier Ltd.