The majority of healthcare facilities with safe patient handling (SPH) programs use all or some form of the many patient handling algorithms and guidelines developed by the VA’s Patient Safety Center. These algorithms and guidelines have served as the primary method for healthcare providers to follow for determining how best to lift or transfer a patient depending on the patient’s characteristics. The sheer number of them (there are over 17 different algorithms) make it somewhat difficult for healthcare providers to view and while treating their patients in a timely manner. (Nelson, 2009)
Ergo-PATH System has developed a tool that accomplishes virtually the same thing as the algorithms, however, in a much simpler and efficient format. The PATH Vector3 is a validated and reliable patient mapping tool that results in the care provider selecting the appropriate SPH equipment (type and size, if applicable). The PATH Vector3 consists of three components: the patient assessment, the area/space assessment and the SPH equipment selection assessment.
The patient assessment is the first part completed by the care provider. It focuses on the patient’s level of mobility. There are seven areas in which the care provider has to assess the patient. The completion of the patient assessment determines the mobility level of the patient. The PATH Vector3 delineates four mobility levels: independent, stand-by-assist, partial assist and dependent.
The area/space assessment focuses on the space surrounding the patient. It asks the care provider to note how much open space is around the patient. The amount of open space needed is determined by the patient’s mobility level and size (weight). Knowing if the space is adequate affects the choice of SPH equipment and is also used to determine if excess furniture should be removed from the patient room of if the patient should be moved to a larger room.
The SPH equipment selection assessment takes into consideration the results of the patient and area/space assessments. The SPH equipment is listed by task and mobility level. The only SPH equipment choices for care providers are ones that are appropriate and available. The SPH equipment size or weight capacity (if applicable) is also determined for the care provider.
The PATH Vector3 accomplishes all of this in one page. Its layout is simple and easy to understand once the terms and definitions are understood. It is designed to be completed quickly and easily by the care provider.
The benefits of using the PATH Vector3 are many. The PATH Vector3 is available in paper form, digital pen format and soon to be electronic format. The benefit of using the digital pen format is that it allows the data to be uploaded and put into the patient’s electronic medical record which in turn can be accessed and seen by of the patient’s care providers. This also means that the data can be analyzed and used to evaluate the typical patient population of a certain unit or the entire facility. It can validate that the SPH equipment available to staff is proper. The results can be used as the bases for one or more performance measures of the SPH program.
The care providers benefit because it is quick and efficient for them to complete. Ergo-PATH System hopes that this will lead to the completion of the PATH Vector3 on each patient on a regular basis, i.e. daily and as patient status changes in hospitals to weekly and as resident status changes in long term care settings. It is functional and of value to them as it leads them to the correct SPH equipment choice which significantly minimizes the risk for injury and harm to the patient.
The PATH Vector3 has potential to truly benefit healthcare facilities and facilities’ SPH leaders with establishing and improving SPH culture. The PATH Vector3 results in consist patient mobility and SPH equipment communication amongst care providers throughout the facility. It can serve as one of the necessary pieces of information in the verbal or written patient “hand-off”
Overall the use of the PATH Vector3 should result in decreasing care provider error in SPH equipment selection and therefore, minimize patient discomfort and/or injury. Also, having consistent patient assessment and all care providers with the same understanding and knowledge of SPH definitions and language is vital to sustaining SPH success.
Ergo-PATH System takes an all-encompassing, systems approach that guides clients on how to reduce the cost of business, including injuries, workers’ compensation costs, and disability. This results in ROI within the shortest possible timeframe, improved staff engagement and morale, and improved patient satisfaction.
