Safe Lifting and the Unit Peer Leader Approach Anne Maclin Thomas George Erin Thomas

Unit Peer Leader A unit peer leader acts as a coach and a mentor to staff Coaching is working in the partnership to facilitate learning, improve performance, and create desired results. Mentoring is the process for a subject matter expert to share wisdom, developing a less experienced person

Attributes of a good Peer Leader Accurate Aware Competent Creative Follow The Rules Honest Positive Professional Respectful Resolve Conflict Use scientific Standards

Roles and Responsibilities of a Unit Peer Leader

Act as a Unit SPH Champion Act as a unit expert and resource on patient care ergonomics, equipment use, and safe patient handling techniques for managers/supervisors, peers, patients, and families Problem solve patient handling issues Motivate/coach peers- encourage co-workers in use of patient handling equipment and compliance with SPH Program

Train peers/managers/patients/ families Identify competency needs and provide refresher training for unit staff on use of equipment annually and as need identified Orient new employees to SPH & UPL role Facility-wide participate in new employee orientation training

Facilitate SPH Knowledge Transfer Maintain communication with other UPLs Share best practices learned during UPL meetings with co-workers/management Communicate with Facility Coordinator and UPL Group Leader Take lead in Safety Huddles Train staff on and ensure compliance with use of Algorithms

Monitor unit SPH Program Status/Compliance Conduct daily rounds to assure compliance Track Equipment use and report issues/concerns to Facility Coordinator

Equipment Super User Know the equipment used in your area well Be able to trouble shoot equipment

Equipment Use/Management Track equipment locations, storage and ensure accessibility Track operational status of batteries- assure charged Track sling types, quantities and condition Notify Facility Coordinator when patient handling equipment problems/incidents arise Ensure facility infection control requirements are followed

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION (PM&R) Goal of Acute Inpatient Rehab Functional Independence Measure(FIM)

FIM Functional Activities: FIM SCORES: Bed Mobility Transfers Gait Training Stairs Wheelchair Mobility INDEPENDENT MODIFIED INDEPENDENT SUPERVISION MINIMAL ASSIST MODERATE ASSIST MAXIMAL ASSIST TOTAL ASSIST

LIFT EQUIPMENT AND REHAB TRANSFERS GAIT TRAINING

UPL APPROACH

Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Unit

A tool to improve functional ability Hoover mats Repositioning slings Disposable air mattresses Sara Plus Ambulation Aid

SPH Equipment Utilization Bariatric Patients- Disposable air mattress Pneumonia Prevention- Early ambulation Immobility- Turning schedule

Benefits of Using SPH Equipments Significant Pressure ulcer Prevention No injuries in regards to turning and repositioning for the last 3 years

Medical/Surgical Oncology/Remote Tele Unit

Frequently Used Equipment Ceiling Lift Air Mattress SARA Plus (standing and raising aid) Stand Aid Shower Chairs

Safe Patient Handling programs benefit the patient and the health care worker Helps prevent patient and staff injury Can foster patient’s mobility and improvement in functional status

Tips to Remember Be a leader not a follower (don’t be afraid to correct inappropriate actions) Be approachable Be enthusiastic and excited about your SPH program Keep Safe Patient Handling fun and interesting Incorporate the 3 main learning techniques in your training 1. Visual 2. Auditory 3. Kinesthetic