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

2. 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

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

4. Roles and Responsibilities of a Unit Peer Leader

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. LIFT EQUIPMENT AND REHAB
TRANSFERS
GAIT TRAINING

15. UPL APPROACH

16. Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Unit

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

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

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

20. Medical/Surgical Oncology/Remote Tele Unit

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

22. 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

23. 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