Zero Lift Policies

[Guest guest]

 Our medical center has a Safe Patient Handling policy wich basically states

that there is a " zero lift " policy for patient transfers. This means that if a

patient's mobility is impaired, one must use a lift or transfer device. In fact,

the job aid algorithm states that if the patient cannot perform 2-3 sit to stand

repititions at the edge of the bed, one must use a lift or other transfer device

(a tranfer device is NOT a gait belt). 

  While the intent of this policy is to reduce employee injuries and keep

patients safe, it has obvious implications from a rehab perspective. We continue

to have challenges with our occupational health department in regards to this

topic as we are perceived as " breaking " this policy when pefroming bed mobility,

transfer training, family training on appropriate dependent transfer techniques

etc.

I would love to hear how other acute care and IRFs therapies are handing this

issue. Thanks.

Mike Hampton PT, MPT

Manager-Rehab Therapies

PeaceHealth St. ph Medical Center

Bellingham, WA