Lift Utilization as an Adjunct to Patient Independence Denise Sargent, PT, DPT, MS, ATC Faculty, Physical Therapist Assistant Program North Shore Community College

Learning Objectives The learner will be able to: Identify ways in which lifting devices can be used by all caregiver staff to maximize a patient’s functional potential Understand the relationship between Physical Therapy (PT) and Safe Patient Handling Distinguish between “skilled” and “unskilled” use of lifting devices when used to provide rehabilitative services (e.g. PT)

How are PT and SPH Related? Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are devoted to the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life, and movement potential.  Functional mobility will allow the patient to assist the caregiver in bed mobility, transfers and ADLs Work WITH the patient vs. FOR the patient reduction in caregiver work= Skilled vs. non-skilled (billable vs. not)

How are PT and SPH Related?  Improved gait and balance will reduce the number of caregiver injuries resulting from patient falls  Increased ability to weight-bear through his/her extremities will reduce the workload of the caregiver  (Re)positioning and pain management will improve the patient’s tolerance to movement, allowing more handling options/access by the caregiver

How are PT and SPH Related? PTs and PTAs can help other caregivers determine the safest transfer/movement methods based on the patient assessment in combination with environment, equipment availability, rehabilitation goals, and patient wishes.

Patient Assessment The patient assessment includes, but is not limited to evaluating the patient’s ability to:  ambulate  weight-bear through upper and/or lower extremities  follow directions and/or cooperate, cognition  Patient’s weight and/or BMI are also considered Movement of some patients may require special consideration (i.e. musculoskeletal injury, tubes and drains, medical protocol and/or contraindications)

Environment Assessment Prepare the patient, the environment, and yourself (and other individuals that need to assist as appropriate) prior to performing the transfer. The patient care environment is assessed prior to any handling task to identify risks associated with the distance the patient is to be moved, obstacles (i.e. furniture, personal belongings, tight spaces, IVs, O2, Foley catheter, dressings/bandages, footwear, etc.), weight of patient, weight capacities of equipment and furniture, and other potential hazards (meds, other).

Portable Floor Lift Lifts, transfers, holds limbs, turns, or repositions a patient

Ceiling Lift Provides the same functions as the portable floor lift Slings and bars may be interchangeable with the portable floor lift

Slings

Lift? Slings?