A new position adopted by the House of Delegates calls for physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to be involved with and leaders of safe patient handling programs at the local, state, and federal levels, and to lead by example—appropriately supporting and employing the concepts of safe patient handling during patient care.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Safe Patient Handling also endorses several concepts related to access to safe patient handling equipment and departmental policies and training in safe patient handling procedures. [RC-29]
Draft language adopted by the 2012 House will be available on the House Community next week. Final language for all actions taken by the June 2012 House will be available by September after the minutes have been approved.
Long overdue. I applaud the House of Delegates. Please forward the final language upon completion.
With regards.... Drew
Posted by Drew Bossen
on 6/15/2012 3:59 PM
Drew,
I agree completely with you and am so pleased to see this, even when it was not a part of the initial RC package. I am putting together the Carolina Clinical Education Consortium's Spring Conference and our plans are to have Safe Patient Handling and Baratic Care as the primary topic. Come join us in March 2013 in Western NC for what appears to becoming a great conference.
Martha Zimmerman,PT
Membership Chair of the CCEC
Foothills District Vice Chair
CCC&TI PTA Program Director/ ACCE
Posted by Martha Zimmerman
on 6/15/2012 6:53 PM
I am a new graduate working in a school for autistic and multiply disabled children. I have been advocating this year for provision of training for safe handling and awareness of body mechanics to classroom staff and aides. This is good to see, and every day I work to promote additional awareness of the importance of safe handling at all times for the children. I would also very much appreciate receiving the final draft when available. Thanks!
Posted by Erin Lambe
on 6/18/2012 10:01 AM
Great to see this! I believe we can educate all staff involved in patient care on protecting themselves and the patient. I am a huge advocate for increased awareness of safe handling techniques in the hospital; education once a year or even less at some institutions isnt enough! Education can prevent patient and caregiver injuries!
Posted by Jessica Graham
on 6/28/2012 2:30 AM