Throughout my professional career, I have had the privilege of working with some of the best and brightest minds in the healthcare industry.

My roles and responsibilities have varied from projects for which I have been asked to participate. Some of the roles consisted of my expertise as a contributor; while other collaborations have required me to take the lead. No matter the project, I have always used the opportunities to learn and evaluate the thought processes and strategy development of others. What I’ve commonly observed from gauging how some of the top professionals go about addressing challenges; it is very rare that their concepts, perspectives, and ideas lack substance and validity. However, in most cases what seems to add up in theory on paper, often fail to evolve into strategies which can be easily transitioned into practical applications.

In thinking about the successes and failures for why some projects seem to stall while others progress to achieve its intended purpose, I have developed a five-part approach that I commonly apply when advising others on how to launch successful Safe Patient Handling programs.

These guiding principles consist of:

1    Purpose: Understanding the overall objective of the project
2 Alignment: Aligning support and ancillary departments by priority
3 Defining: Defining roles, functions, and responsibilities of those involved
4 Inclusion: Including the feedback of customers and/or end-users
5 Blueprint: Providing a Safe Patient Handling Program implementation proposal

The most efficient strategies for achieving optimal Safe Patient Handling (SPH) program outcomes depends upon the organization’s ability to succeed in achieving end-user’s commitment to using patient-lift equipment. Given the patient-care complexities which accompanies nursing practice, a successful clinically based injury prevention program requires a functional structure supported by well-defined objectives. It is highly suggested that this guidance be provided by an injury prevention professional with the appropriate expertise. Strategies and processes must be both clinically applicable and practical if program objectives are to be achieved.

Looking for realistic solutions to increase equipment utilization amongst nursing staff? Take a minute to Contact Roric to discuss available options.