410617 Safe Patient Handling: Considerations in Care of the Bariatric Patient

Course overview

Discussion of obesity and major health risks associated with it; risk factors that put healthcare workers at risk for injury during patient handling and transporting; how to assess the patient before safe care and handling; approaches to handling patients, including use or algorithms; recognition of high-risk patient care activities and conditions that result in high-risk patient care environments; and best solution for patient handling. There has been an increase in the number of bariatric patients who are cared for in healthcare facilities, and this trend poses a challenge for healthcare workers and facilities to provide an environment that is safe for both the patient and the provider of care. The greatest risk factor for injuries in healthcare workers is the manual lifting, moving and repositioning of patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2014 the overexertion injury rate for hospital workers was twice the average, and the rate for nursing home workers was over three times the average. Unsafe patient handling may lead to injury for both the patient and the healthcare provider, and these injuries are responsible for lost work time, necessary long-term medical care, and permanent disability. This program discusses care of the bariatric patient, including safe patient handling considerations and techniques in order to promote better patient outcomes.