SPHM program has become one of the top initiatives for health care facilities to reduce caregiver injuries associated with the high-risk patient handling tasks (American Nurses Association, 2013). Healthcare workers are at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and MSDs are responsible for a significant cost to health care institutions but it negatively impacts quality of care. According to OSHA news release inspections from complaints should include a review of hazards involving MSD related to patient handling (2015).
In the fall of 2011 an interdisciplinary team was formed and charged by the organization to create a SPHM program. A new hospital tower was being built and each room would incorporate a patient ceiling lift and motor. After attending the SPHM National Conference, it was soon realized what was available in the organization was woefully inadequate. A formal infrastructure and enduring program needed to be created. State Law and American Nurses Association SPHM standards were used to guide and ensure all required elements were included. A SPHM interdisciplinary committee was established to help administer the program and continues to participate in the decision-making process. Interdisciplinary team evaluates both inpatient and outpatient units for patient handling needs and challenges, then makes recommendations on the type of equipment needed for the units unique needs. Nurses and other staff members are involved in equipment trials and evaluation. Formal policies and procedures were written. Education was created and delivered to all staff who move patients.
The effectiveness of the program is measured in reduction of injures and cost of injuries to the organization. Number of staff injuries have been reduced every year and the costs to organization related to those injuries were also reduced. In 2012 the hospital experienced 24 staff injuries related to patient handling, and in 2015 there were 4 reported injuries. Lost time work days were zero in 2015. If an injury does occur it is evaluated for the root cause contributing to incident. The root cause identified is then addressed. An annual report about program is submitted to hospital administration.