Facilitating Progressive Mobility for Healthcare Patients with Ergonomics
Guy Fragala Ph.D., PE, CSP, CSPHP
Description
This session considers the importance of progressive mobility for healthcare patients and
what is required by the caregiver to perform the tasks necessary to achieve effective
progressive mobility. Current evidence has indicated that early and continued mobility is
beneficial to the healthcare patient to enhance healing and for maintaining quality of life.
Negative outcomes from immobility are well reported in the literature. Positioning in bed,
bed egress and up in chair are discussed with a focus on the difficulty involved for the
caregiver to perform these tasks. A presentation of the occupational risk factors of force,
repetition and posture demonstrates how these activities put caregivers at risk for serious
musculoskeletal injuries. Through application of the concepts of ergonomics, solutions and
interventions are presented which can facilitate assisting patients with mobility and
minimize risk of falls while reducing occupational risk to caregivers.
Objectives
Upon completion
learner will be able
to:
1. Understand how and why positioning activities and other tasks required for
progressive mobility put caregivers at risk for musculoskeletal disorders.
2. Discuss application of current technology to reduce occupational risk to caregivers
while performing tasks to provide for progressive mobility.
3. Discuss and understand how facilitating progressive mobility improves quality of
care for healthcare patients.
4. Understand how application of safe patient handling technology can contribute to
reducing risk of falls.
Subject Matter
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Why is progressive mobility important?
Risk and difficulty related to positioning patients in bed
Reducing impact of risk factors of force, repetition and posture
Risk reduction and improvement achieved through application of proper technology
Understanding and reducing risk of falls
Suitable for what
participant level?
Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Method of
Presentation
Lecture and Discussion
References
Fragala, G., Perry, B., Fragala, M. “Examining Bed Width as a Contributor to Risk of Falls from Bed
in Long-Term Care”, Annals of Long-Term Care, June 2012 pp. 35-38.
Fragala, G. “Safe Patient Handling Techniques: Experience from Long-Term Care Migrating to
Acute Care Facilities”, Environment of Care News, Joint Commission Publication, February 2011,
Vol. 14, No. 2, pp.8-11.
Nelson, A., Fragala, G., Menzel, N. “Myths and Facts About Back Injuries in Nursing”, American
Journal of Nursing, pp. 32-41, February 2003
Fragala, G. “Mobility and Transfer Technology: Advances at Three Levels,” Nursing Homes Long
Term Care Management, pp.42, Vol. 50, No. 12, December 2001.
Fragala, G. “Facilitating Repositioning in Bed”, American Association Occupational Health Nurses
Journal (AAOHN),February 2011, Vol. 59, pp. 63-68