Preventing Patient and Staff Injury During Turning and Positioning

Course Continuing Education Accreditation:

This webinar was approved for 1.0 CEC contact hours through AHRMM - the leading professional membership group for the healthcare supply chain. 

Summary:

The prevention and management of pressure injuries continues to be a major concern for healthcare facilities. The most common site for pressure injuries is the sacrum. According to published literature and expert opinion, nearly all pressure injuries can be prevented. Staff injuries are also a challenge related to patient turning and positioning activity. Prevention, including best practices and the use of a TAP (Turning and Positioning System), is of paramount importance across all care settings. Both types of injuries are costly to all involved and detrimental to quality of life. The equipment and interventions required to prevent these injuries are less expensive than the cost of treatment and a “back saver” for healthcare workers. Lori Lamb, BSN, RN, ET/WOC Nurse, will review general pressure injury challenges and potential solutions from a WOCN perspective and Emily Gibbs, PT, BS, CSPHP-Retired, will review Safe Patient Handling and the use of TAP systems. Both will share their experience and strategies for success to protect patients and clinicians from injury during routine daily turning and positioning activities.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify the challenges of pressure injuries and the need for proper turning and positioning.
2. Discuss staff injury risks related to patient turning and positioning.
3. Summarize the benefit of using a turning and positioning system to prevent injury and improve outcomes.
4. Explain lessons learned and the importance of improving care coordination among inter-professional team members.