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ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS Research verifies that early and frequent mobilization of patients reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, pneumonia and speeds the healing process. The CDC 2007 - 2010 statistics reflect that the average American male weights 195 pounds and the average weight of a female is 166 pounds. The NIOSH study, When is it Safe to Manually Lift a Patient? by Thomas R. Waters, PhD. qualifies in ideal settings, 35 pounds is the maximum safe lifting limit. A two person lift of the average size American exeeds this maximum and puts the healthcare worker at risk for a muscleoskeletal injury from lifting, transferring and repositioning patients. An effective safe handling program will physically enable caregivers to safely mobilize all patients. The integration of handling devices into the plan of care will enhance clinical outcomes. Prevent, Inc. has identified that the following practices create the most effective and sustainable safe handling programs: 1. The Chief Nurse Officer allocates the necessry resources for a successful implementation. 2. Staff who are viewed as change agents support and direct the initiative. 3. Appropriate and adequate mechanical lifts, cloth slings and accessories are secured. 4. A Safe Handling Policy is developed. 5. Procedures are integrated into the plan of care to trigger and reinforce the determination of the patient's needs for safe mobilization. 6. Marketing strategies increase understanding and support of the change of practice. 7. The educational plan supports competence with the use of equipment and safe handling practice. 8. Mentoring and development at the bedside to support and build confidence and competence. 9. Unit Champions sustain and build the Safe Patient Handling practice. 10. Ongoing outcomes are measured and analzyed to developthe Safe Patient Handling practice.
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Deborah A. Moore
Director of Hospital Operations Oversees and directs the implementation of the "Get A Lift!" Program in acute care hospitals; directs and manages Prevent, Inc.'s professional nurses who provide the hands - on training and support. Since 2002, Debby's energy, passion and expertise have been instrumental in the continued development and success of the "Get A Lift!" Program in this complex healthcare workplace. Nursing education and experience include:
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