Selected aspects of safe patient handling

Summary

Aim: The aim of this quantitative research study was to determine nurses’ perspectives on selected aspects of safe physical handling of patients.

Methodology: Data was collected in collaboration with the head nurses of five South Bohemian hospitals between May and July 2020. SASD (Statistical Analysis System) and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software were used for data analysis. Results: Information on using aids for physical manipulation is significantly more likely to be included in nursing documentation in the context of nurses’ documentation of musculoskeletal impairment. According to 75% of the nurses, a physical handling standard is in place in their unit. In addition, 16% of the nurses use a physical handling standard, and at the same time, 45.9% of the nurses adhere to this standard. 19.8% of the nurses agree, and 52.1% agree that the unit has sufficient handling aids, although not consistently effective and state-of-the-art aids. Nurses expressed interest in receiving training in the physical handling of patients. 55.2% of nurses receive training irregularly, and 40.6% of nurses need to get training at all.

Conclusion: Current clinical practice and the results of our research indicate that the correct implementation of individual steps in patient handling and the use of equipment significantly improves the quality of care provided and protects the health of those who provide care.