PO2022-004
Essential Functions of a Transporter in an Academic Hospital
By Laura Chadbourne BHCM, CEAS III, CSPHA and Michelle Taylor CEAS II, CSPHA
Tracy Thermidor, PT, DPT Clinical Specialist – Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Department, NYU Langone Health
Background:
Is there a need for a post offer job screen with safe patient handling equipment in the HSO (Health System Organization)? A new tower was built with ceiling lifts. In the existing tower portable patient lifts, powered sit/stand lifts along with non-powered sit/stand lifts were purchased. Air assist lateral transfer devices were added throughout hospital. Transporting patients is also an important part of patient handling and we needed to find out if the correct equipment was being used.
Current processes:
• Transporters trained annually on how to use patient handling devices.
• Nurses determine SPH (Safe Patient Handling) device used to transfer patient with transporter assist.
Transporter administration noticed an increase in patient handling injuries and increasing turnover following new hire.
Ergonomic Specialist was asked to evaluate processes from on boarding to education of job requirements.
Following Ergonomic evaluation, findings were presented to Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health Nurse, and transporter management. The current post offer screen was determined to be outdated. Gaps in patient handling equipment were identified, lack of powered transport devices, enhancements needed for education and training.
Due to ergonomic findings:
• a new post offer screen was developed
• some powered equipment was purchased
• improvements were made for education
Presented to CNO (Chief Nurse Officer) a need for hands-on nursing education with patient handling device. Escalated need for powered transport devices to senior leadership.
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