Safe Patient Handling

Course Overview

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the importance of safe patient handling for both the patients and the healthcare workers.
• Knowledge of the different patient handling equipment and their proper use.
• Understanding of the different patient handling techniques and their appropriate usage in various patient care situations.
• Knowledge of the OSHA regulations and guidelines regarding safe patient handling.
• Understanding of the role of ergonomics in safe patient handling.
• Knowledge of the different risk factors associated with patient handling and how to mitigate them.

Mode of Delivery

Course Content

Training should emphasize on the following contents:

• Introduction to Safe Patient Handling: Overview of the importance of safe patient handling in healthcare environments, identification of common risks and hazards associated with patient handling
• Understanding Patient Handling: Properties and characteristics of patient handling, the health effects of patient handling on healthcare workers, OSHA regulations regarding patient handling
• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Techniques for identifying and assessing patient handling hazards in healthcare environments, evaluation of the potential consequences of patient handling hazards
• Control Measures: Engineering controls to reduce patient handling hazards, work practices to reduce patient handling hazards, personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and its proper use
• Patient Handling Techniques: Proper body mechanics and techniques for moving and transferring patients, use of assistive devices and equipment for patient handling, identifying and addressing patients with specific needs such as bariatric patients
• Training and Communication: Importance of safety training for healthcare workers on patient handling hazards, communication of patient handling safety policies and procedures, employee engagement and feedback
• Compliance and Recordkeeping: Compliance with OSHA and other regulatory bodies, safety audits and inspections, record-keeping and reporting requirements
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Identification and management of emergency situations related to patient handling, emergency response procedures and emergency response teams, first aid and emergency medical services
• Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD): Understanding ergonomics and its relationship to patient handling, identification and management of MSD risks related to patient handling, strategies for preventing and managing MSD injuries

Entry Requirements

Program Duration

Examination

Additional Information