Therapy practice within a minimal lift environment: perceptions of therapy staff

The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of occupational and physical therapy staff regarding a minimal lift policy implemented in a midwestern health system. Researchers used a qualitative focus group approach, facilitating four focus groups with 23 members of the hospital therapy staff. Transcripts of the focus groups were coded and analyzed for emergent themes. Several themes emerged from the data: Therapist risk of injury, Attitudes towards and use of equipment, Professional relationships and teamwork, and Effectiveness of minimal lift programs: barriers and supports. In general, therapists felt they were susceptible to work-related injury because of the nature of their work, environmental factors, and the actions of others. The therapists served as trainers in the minimal lift program. They trained other staff in equipment use; were resources for staff on the floors; and they used the equipment in the context of therapeutic intervention. Equipment was seen as useful primarily for the rehabilitation of low functioning or bariatric patients. Further research about the design and effect of equipment in therapy is recommended.