The Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) Standards were published in 2013 to fulfil a need for national guidelines to reduce the risks of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of healthcare workers. Significant strides have been made in SPHM research, education, training, and advocacy, since the first edition of the Standards. But patient handling and mobility-related injury rates have not been reduced significantly. This means that our work is not done. One goal of the second edition is to communicate the continued need for standardized SPHM programs and resources and re-ignite SPHM discussions and improvements.
There are eight overarching standards featured in the book, each one outlined and explained in detail:
Culture of Safety
Sustainable SPHM Program
Ergonomic Design Principles
SPHM Technology
Education, Training, and Maintaining Competence
Patient-Centered Assessment
Reasonable Accommodation and Post-Injury Return to Work
Comprehensive Evaluation System
Nurses and all other healthcare workers must continue to use technology, do research, and discover new and unique ways to promote the value of SPHM to keep themselves and their patients safe.
