Painting the Safer Handling Picture – not just training!

Sue AlexanderErgonomics Advisor

MHANZ Conference March 2012

Overview

• Training issues• Support and understanding of managers • Using scenarios as a reality check• Outcomes and steps to get there• The Safer Handling picture

Training – the issues?

• Visible and measurable• “Silver bullet”• Time consuming (skill development)• Content and duration debate• Simulation or “on the job”?• Ineffective in isolation – multi-factorial issues

How to embed into everyday work?

Why doesn’t this happen?

Leaders and decision-makers

• Preconceived ideas of entry level knowledge and skills of new staff

• Familiarity with current best practice• Other priorities

Budget constraints, productivity, patient safety

Understanding and support?

“Big picture” – scenario 1: Reality Check

• New grad nurse – stroke ward 6 weeks• Hurt back lifting patient in hoist – ACC claim

$40k (surgery)• Sling incorrectly attached – mismatch of sling

to hoist • Limited space around bed – twisted• Skin tear for patient – extended stay

“Big picture” – scenario 2:The future …

• Standardised equipment• E-learning of principles• Local champion• Team approach for managing individual

patient handling needs• Manager proactively manages issues

Consistent, coordinated, sustainable approach

Outcomes and benefits

• Patient safety and comfort• Reduced injury costs• Efficiency and productivity• Best practice strategies used• Improved morale

What are the steps to get there?

Steps or “building blocks”

Incident Management

Hazard Mangement

Commitment and Leadership

Accountability and policies

Assess tasks (risks)

Trainers and resources

Employee participation

Equipment Facility design Training Communication

Application of safer handling best practice principles –

“the way we do it here”

Painting the picture

• Clear and simple• Interaction of components• Based on a framework of principles• Connection with other initiatives

Safer Handling Programme overview

Summary

• Managers are pivotal to success• They need to be aware of the real situation• Agreement on outcomes – the challenge is

how to get there?• Require appropriate equipment, suitable

facilities, champions, integrated systems• Paint the picture – it’s not just training!