Anatomy of an Ergonomic Fix

When any staff suffer patient handling injuries, the entire unit may be affected. Creating an ergonomic "fix" requires a closer look at the hazards and possible solutions. Here are some steps Tampa (FL) General Hospital took in its critical intensive care unit:

Problem

In 1999, the critical intensive care unit suffered 17 patient handling injuries, involving 93 restricted days, and 20 lost days due to injury.

Lift needs

Staff transfer about six to 10 patients per shift and reposition more than 15 patients per shift. Most patient transfers occur from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The only available ergonomic equipment was a transfer board and a manual lift without a transfer sling. The lift was used only for weighing patients.

Other hazards

Monitors above beds are high and difficult to reach. Oxygen tanks in the storage room are difficult to lift. Heavy pumps are stored on high shelves.

Ergonomic assistance

The hospital purchased 18 Hill Rom Total Care Beds, one stretcher chair, and lateral transfer devices. The unit also put a step stool in each patient room to make it easier to reach the monitors. Each staff member also received a gait belt to help with patient handling, and the unit purchased a special walker for patients who needed to ambulate.

Other interventions

The injury prevention coordinator trained staff on body mechanics and use of equipment and gave special training to one staff member who would provide training to all new staff. The hospital also rebuilt shelves and cabinets to improve the access to equipment in the storage room.