Safer Patient Handling

Description: 

Improper patient handling is one of the leading causes de injuries in healthcare environments. This course prepares healthcare workers to transfer and reposition patients safely while minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). Learners will explore the principles of risk assessment, lifting techniques, and the use of assistive devices. The course covers both employer and employee responsibilities, types of transfers, appropriate use of equipment, and safety protocols. By following best practices, learners will contribute to a safer environment for both patients and staff. 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

• Identify employer and employee responsibilities in safer patient handling  

• Understand musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), their causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies  

• Apply the principle of minimal manual lifting to reduce injury risks  

• Perform point-of-care risk assessments including task, patient, environment, and team factors  

• Differentiate between types of patient transfers and when to use each safely  

• Use appropriate equipment (e.g., transfer belts, slings, mechanical lifts) for safe patient handling  

• Apply safe body mechanics and lifting techniques to prevent injuries  

• Follow correct procedures for reporting workplace injuries and accessing care