Reports From RNs on Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Programs in Acute Care Hospital Units.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of RNs on the implementation of safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs in states with and without SPHM legislation. Despite numerous strategies developed to reduce caregiver injuries, nurses are still experiencing work-related musculoskeletal injuries. A comprehensive SPHM program has been found to be effective in reducing patient handling injuries among nurses. By using data from 143 480 RNs working in 321 acute care hospitals in 44 US states, RNs' perceptions on 6 key aspects of SPHM programs were compared between states with and without SPHM legislation and among 11 unit types. Registered nurses in states with SPHM legislation are more likely to report the implementation of SPHM programs in contrast with those in comparison states. This finding was found for each of the 11 unit types. This study provides evidence to support the positive effect of state-based efforts for legislative actions on the development and implementation of SPHM programs.