Moving the patient: Creating sustainable outcomes and satisfaction in safe patient handling and mobility programs
Safe Patient Handling & Mobility programs are being implemented with increased frequency. However, getting them started and sustaining momentum and success poses great challenges for many. This session will explore the challenges, strategies and real-life experiences that healthcare organizations have implemented that have resulted in significant reductions in patient handling related worker compensation costs. The session will also discuss other outcomes such as reductions in patient falls, hospital acquired pressure injuries as well as improvements in other potential complications associated with immobility.
Learning objectives:
- Identify the key metrics to utilize to demonstrate the need for a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility program.
- Identify must have components within a program to establish & drive success
- Discuss challenges that can interfere with the success
- Review real life strategies utilized to overcome barriers to success
Presenters
Evelina Neighbors, BS, PTA
Clinical Safety Education Specialist - West Virginia University Hospitals (WVUH)
Evelina Neighbors has 15 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist assistant, primarily in areas of acute care. She currently is the Clinical Safety Education Specialist at West Virginia University Hospitals (WVUH) in Morgantown, WV. As a Clinical Safety Education Specialist, she trains and coordinates the safe patient mobility program at WVUH. She recently co-presented at the Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals National Conference regarding the trials and tribulations of safe patient handling.
Andrew Rich MS, OTR/L, CSPHP
Clinical Solutions Manager - Arjo
Andy Rich received his Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Rush University. Upon graduation in 1997, he worked in the more traditional roles as an occupational therapist. In 2004, he entered the world of safe patient handling. He served as a member of on the board of directors for the Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals. Andy uses his passion and creativity to help design safe patient handling products and programs that help both patients and caregivers remain safe while receiving or providing care. Andy speaks at numerous regional and national conferences on topics ranging from making a business case for a safe patient handling programs to how to create and sustain success in safe patient handling in the long term. For 20 years, he has worked as a consultant, clinical manager and solution manager for Arjo’s MOVE and PHD Program. Here he has led teams using behavioral based safety, right-just culture, system theory, improvisational comedy and simple strategies to infuse fun and passion into change initiatives creating results both his mother and clients are uber-proud of.