And yet, back and other muscular skeletal injuries related to lifting and moving patients have always plagued nurses and other care givers.

In the year 2000, an ergonomics task force was formed at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to study the science of health care ergonomic equipment as well as the patient handling needs of nurses, physical therapists, radiology technicians, housekeepers, and others.

In May, 2001, the task force hosted a vendor fair, where specialized companies demonstrated various types of patient transfer equipment.

Later, an assessment of ergonomic equipment needs was made of 27 representative units. Trials were conducted and a capital budget proposal was made in the spring of 2002. Hospital leadership supported the effort to move the organization toward a minimal lift environment.

Safety Manager Eric Briesemeister explained, "This is the biggest safety initiative in health care in the past 10 years," he said. "Just like needle stick safety, transfer equipment will forever change how patients and their caregivers interact."

Today, the ergonomics initiative is well underway. Contracts have been developed with the Arjo/Diligent company; equipment has arrived; and key coach training is complete. The initial round of staff training has also been completed.

UI Hospitals and Clinics has acquired more than 665 pieces of patient transfer equipment–everything from lateral transfer slides to steadying belts, to overhead lifting systems capable of completely raising and moving patients from one location to another.

"Before a patient handling task is performed, the health care worker will choose which assistive device is appropriate for the patient’s needs, " said Karen Stenger, A.P.N. The new equipment is capable of helping with tasks that require minimal or extensive assistance.

LouAnn Montgomery, PhD, RN, BC, director of Nursing Education and a member of the task force, agrees. "Some units do up to 100 patient lifts per day. The new equipment will provide more safety for the patient as well as the staff."

For more information, contact:

• Eric Briesemeister at 319-356-0839
• Lou Ann Montgomery at 319-356-3959
• Karen Stenger at 319-356-4141

Ergonomics Initiative

Goals for Staff

• Decrease number and severity of staff injuries
• Decrease overall accident rate and lost work days
• Recruit and retain staff
• Help us become Employer of Choice

Goals for Patients

• Increase patient autonomy
• Increase ambulation and shorten length of stay
• Decrease falls and skin breakdown
• Increase patient satisfaction and comfort

Quick Facts

• Initial training being done by Diligent, the clinical support branch of the Arjo company
• Diligent will be on site regularly for the next three years
• Cost: $660,000 for over three years
• Approved as the number one capital budget priority (over three years)
• Arjo guarantees 60 percent reduction in patient lifting-related injuries to health care workers.

Ergonomics Video