Knowledge Base

This course covers the following information:

Patient Handling Safety: Patient Handling and Caregiver Injuries

• What musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are.
  
• The common types of MSDs.
  
• How MSDs can develop in caregivers.
  
• The "Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Programs" and how they can help minimize caregiver patient handling injuries.
  

Patient Handling Safety: Algorithms, Patient Assessment and Body Mechanics

• How a patient's condition will help determine the method you should use when moving them.
  
• How to use algorithms to help you make decisions about how to best move a patient.
  
• The importance of choosing the best and safest way to move a patient.
  
• How to properly assist in lifting a patient if it is necessary.
  

Patient Handling Safety: Repositioning a Patient in Bed

• Why a patient who is unable to move themselves should be repositioned in bed regularly.
  
• How physical injuries can occur when repositioning a patient.
  
• The different tools and methods you should use to reposition a patient safely.
  

Patient Handling Safety: "Lateral Transfer" from Bed to Stretcher

• What a "lateral transfer" is and when it will be used.
  
• How to safety perform a manual "lateral transfer" using a draw sheet and slider board.
  

Patient Handling Safety: "Stand-and-Pivot" from Bed to Chair

• What the "stand and pivot" method for transferring a patient to a chair is.
  
• How to safely use the "stand and pivot" method to move a patient.
  
• What a "transfer belt" is and how it's used when moving a patient into a chair from their bed.
  

Patient Handling Safety: Mechanical Lift Devices

• The different types of mechanical patient handling lift devices.
  
• When a mechanical lift device may be required for moving a patient.
  
• How using mechanical lift devices can help prevent accidents and injuries.