Ceiling lifts, adept staff ‘enhances patient safety’
Wednesday December 12, 2007 -- Natalie Miller
Patient safety has risen to new heights at Lakeridge Health with the installation of ceiling lifts and staff thoroughly trained to use them.

While being in the hospital can be stressful, seeing the equipment and accompanying sling is sometimes overwhelming for patients at first, explains Donna Murczek, musculoskeletal injury prevention co-ordinator for Lakeridge Health.

However, when they realize the ease of being repositioned or moved with the lift their apprehension wanes.

“It has a huge impact on the patient,” says Murczek. "(Healthcare workers) are able to get patients up and it’s safer.”

Murczek was instrumental in developing the Back in Action Program which involves a Zero Lift Policy at Lakeridge Health Corporation which has sites in Oshawa, Whitby, Bowmanville and Port Perry. The corporation’s ‘Zero Lift Project’, which has been in effect since January 2004, involved the installation of lifts, the purchase of transfer equipment and ceiling lift accessories, as well as extensive training for registered nursing staff and allied health professionals.

The project was sparked by the need to address employee safety, particularly reducing musculoskeletal injuries caused by lifting and transferring patients. It has worked.

The project has countless benefits for enhancing patient safety too, says Murczek. With equipment coverage over 396 beds and lifts installed in its three physiotherapy gyms, transfers are safer and patients are enabled to be mobilized sooner. This reduces the risk of skin breakdown, pneumonia and general deconditioning, says Murczek.

As well, “it’s very comfortable for the patient.” Murczek says it also helps reduce the possibility of falls as nurses monitor patients closely. “It enhances safety.” It provides more dignity for the patient as well if they are able to use a commode as opposed to a bedpan.

In the physiotherapy gyms, with ceiling lifts above the parallel bars, “we can commence earlier gait training safely.”

“The staff are so competent in using the equipment.” All employees involved in direct patient care have completed a full-day training session and one-hour annual reviews to improve their patient handling knowledge and skills.