Long-Term Effects of Safe Patient Handling Program on Staff Injuries

Abstract

Purpose: 

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a safe patient handling program (STEPS) at an inpatient rehabilitation unit in reducing injury due to patient transfers. Our objectives were to compare number of staff injuries during the 1.5-year period post training to pre training (baseline) and to determine whether reduction in injuries was sustained long term during a 2.5-year post training period.

Methods: 

All nursing and therapy staff as well as new hires received STEPS training. Periodic retraining was not provided.

Findings: 

The number of injuries was significantly reduced at post training compared to baseline (p = 0.01). However, the reductions in injuries were not sustained long term.

Conclusion: 

We estimated a cost benefit of $3.71 for every dollar invested in retraining based on injury reduction realized during the post training period.

Clinical Relevance: 

Retraining is likely to have a positive cost benefit when it results in maintaining reduction in staff injuries.