Comprehensive Approach to Education and Training
The following are some ideas for a comprehensive approach to safe patient handling education and training:
- Make sure that all relevant workers are trained on using the mechanical lift equipment. Caregivers should feel comfortable using the equipment. If the caregiver uses the equipment correctly and efficiently, patients will feel more comfortable too.
- Refresh, remind, and require ongoing training. Programs tend to be less successful over time if they do not receive adequate attention. Including safe patient handling procedures and policies in annual competency sessions is one way to remind workers of the program's importance and promote equipment proficiency. The American Nurses Association recommends that hospitals establish systems for education, training, and maintaining competencies.
- Consider mentors and peer education champions. In addition to monitoring new employees, nurse managers and other "safety champions" can serve as mentors and peer coaches in every unit, reminding their colleagues how and when to use safe patient handling procedures and equipment.
- Train caregivers to check each patient's mobility every time. Every patient has unique characteristics and mobility capabilities. It is important to assess these regularly, and to communicate each patient's level of mobility and need for assistance to all relevant caregivers.
- Engage patients and their families. Patients may not understand the need for mechanical equipment at first. You can engage them in safe handling by explaining to them and their families that it is for their safety as well as the workers' safety.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-8. Why do some programs tend to be less successful over time?
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