Craig is a safety consultant in the mid-west. He received a telephone call from the Director of Countryside Care Center (a 207-bed nursing home facility in Aurora, Illinois that employs 65-70 nurse aides to work with residents and a total staff of 160 employees).

Craig is a safety consultant in the mid-west. He received a telephone call from the Director of Countryside Care Center (a 207-bed nursing home facility in Aurora, Illinois that employs 65-70 nurse aides to work with residents and a total staff of 160 employees).

When the Director explained that he wanted to hire Craig as a consultant to improve safety, Craig initially thought: “How dangerous can a nursing home be?” He soon learned. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2000, the average nursing home injury and illness rate was 14.2 per 100 full time employees. Comparable rates include: coal mining (6.2), construction workers (10.8), and truck drivers (13.8).

Nurse aides assist residents in many day-to-day tasks. One of the most hazardous (to the aides) is physically moving the residents to-and-from beds, chairs, and the toilet. The Director explained that the nurse aides were taught “safe” lifting techniques and to use a “two-person” lift whenever handling residents. However, despite this training and the adoption of what most consider the industry’s “best practices,” nurse aides are continuing to experience a high rate of injuries (especially back injuries) leading to Workers’ Compensation injuries claims.

Craig has read about healthcare safety training and mechanical lifting devices but is unsure what would be the best advice to improve safety and decrease injuries.

In a 2-3 page report, prepared in APA style with at least two references, do the following:

• Recommend to Craig a more effective safety program he could suggest to the Director of the nursing home to reduce injuries
• Advise Craig about any equipment that could be purchased to mechanize the lifting process for residents
• Suggest to Craig a safety incentive program that you think could be implemented to incentivize the staff to reduce injuries and be cost-effective

ANSWER

 Enhancing Safety in a Nursing Home: Recommendations and Strategies

Introduction

 Safety in nursing homes is of paramount importance to protect both residents and staff members from potential injuries. This report aims to provide recommendations to Craig, a safety consultant, on developing a more effective safety program, exploring equipment for mechanizing the lifting process, and suggesting a cost-effective safety incentive program. By implementing these strategies, the Director of Countryside Care Center can work towards reducing injuries and promoting a safer working environment.

Recommendations for a More Effective Safety Program To improve safety and reduce injuries in the nursing home, the following recommendations are suggested

 Comprehensive Training Program

Develop a comprehensive training program that focuses on safe lifting techniques, body mechanics, and ergonomics. Provide regular training sessions for both new and existing nurse aides to reinforce proper lifting practices and promote awareness of potential hazards.

 Risk Assessment and Job Rotation

Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify high-risk areas and tasks. Implement a job rotation system to ensure that nurse aides are not consistently exposed to repetitive tasks that may increase the risk of injuries. This approach allows for a diversified workload and reduces strain on specific body parts.

 Enhance Communication Channels

 Encourage open communication between management, nurse aides, and other staff members regarding safety concerns, incidents, and potential improvements. Establishing an effective reporting system and feedback loop can help identify recurring issues, implement corrective measures, and promote a culture of safety.

 Implement Safe Resident Handling Policies

Develop and enforce policies that emphasize the use of mechanical lifting devices for transferring and repositioning residents. Provide adequate resources and equipment to facilitate the adoption of these devices. Regularly assess the effectiveness and functionality of the equipment to ensure proper functioning and maintenance.

 Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation

Establish a system for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of safety practices, injury rates, and near-miss incidents. This data can provide insights into emerging trends, identify areas requiring further attention, and guide the development of targeted interventions.

Equipment for Mechanizing the Lifting Process

Mechanical lifting devices can significantly reduce the risk of injuries during resident transfers. Some equipment options to consider include

Ceiling-mounted Lift Systems: Ceiling-mounted lift systems consist of a track and motorized hoist that allows for safe and efficient resident transfers(Waters, 2012) . These systems are versatile and can be customized to fit various room configurations. They reduce the physical strain on nurse aides and provide a reliable and consistent lifting mechanism.

Mobile Floor-based Lifts: Mobile lifts are portable devices with an overhead lifting mechanism. They can be maneuvered easily throughout the facility, enabling safe transfers in different locations. Mobile lifts are particularly useful when ceiling-mounted systems are not feasible.

Sit-to-Stand Lifts: Sit-to-stand lifts are designed to assist residents with limited mobility in transitioning from a sitting to a standing position (Bsn, 2023). These devices reduce the strain on nurse aides and facilitate safe and controlled transfers.

Transfer Slings and Sheets: Implement the use of transfer slings and sheets to aid in repositioning and transferring residents. These assistive devices can minimize the physical exertion required and improve the overall safety of the lifting process.

Cost-Effective Safety Incentive Program

To encourage staff members to actively participate in reducing injuries, consider the following safety incentive program

 Recognition and Rewards: Implement a recognition program that acknowledges individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional adherence to safety protocols and contribute to injury prevention. Recognitions can be in the form of certificates, small rewards, or public acknowledgments, fostering a positive safety culture.

 Performance-Based Incentives: Tie a portion of performance evaluations or annual bonuses to safety metrics and injury reduction goals. This approach aligns individual performance with the organization’s safety objectives, providing a tangible incentive for staff members to prioritize safety.

 Education and Training Opportunities: Offer opportunities for professional development, such as sponsoring safety-related certifications or training courses (National Academies Press (US), 2000). This not only enhances employee skills but also emphasizes the organization’s commitment to safety and personal growth.

 Feedback and Suggestions: Encourage staff members to actively contribute to safety improvement initiatives by providing a platform for them to share feedback, suggestions, and ideas. Implement a system for reviewing and considering employee input to ensure their voices are heard and valued.

Conclusion

 By implementing a comprehensive safety program, utilizing mechanical lifting devices, and introducing a safety incentive program, the Director of Countryside Care Center can significantly reduce injuries and promote a safer working environment. It is essential to prioritize ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement, ensuring that the safety measures remain effective and up-to-date. By nurturing a culture of safety, the nursing home can protect its staff members and enhance the well-being of its residents.

References

Waters, T. R. (2012, December 1). Ergonomic Assessment of Floor-based and Overhead Lifts. PubMed Central (PMC). 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631797/ 

Bsn, M. V., RN. (2023). Patient Positioning: Complete Guide and Cheat Sheet for Nurses. Nurseslabs. https://nurseslabs.com/patient-positioning/ 

National Academies Press (US). (2000). Occupational Safety and Health Professionals. Safe Work in the 21st Century – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225528/