Date of Graduation

Spring 5-19-2016

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Danijela Pavlic

Abstract

Healthcare workers are more at risk for injury than workers in any other industry, the injury rate in hospitals is almost double that of the entire private sector put together (OSHA, 2013). This high rate of injury has led hospital administrators and policymakers to take a closer look at the job duties and conditions of nurses and other healthcare workers. Almost half of all healthcare worker injuries are the result of overexertion or bodily reaction, injuries that occur as a result of performing patient handling tasks. Many US states have passed laws requiring hospitals to implement Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) programs as part of injury and illness prevention programs in order to reduce this risk of injury for workers. In California, part of the legislation requires nurses to assess patients’ mobility and determine safe ways to move, reposition, and mobilize them in order to reduce risk of injury to both patients and staff. Educating nurses on how to use a standardized tool for mobility assessment ensures consistent, high-quality care across an organization and also promotes a culture of safety.

A performance improvement project focusing on a revision of Banner Health’s Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) and education of nurse educators, nurse managers, and shift and unit peer leaders was conducted at a 395-bed, acute care, non-profit hospital located in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. The project found an engaging, in-person educational module to be effective in terms of knowledge gain and participant satisfaction. Creating motivation amongst staff to change is an integral part of facilitating implementation of a new practice for nurses.

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