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[Manual lifting of patients in a hospital. Risk analysis for an improvement project]
Martina Speziale1, M Ciampolini
1Azienda Sanitaria 10 di Firenze, U.F.TAV & Grandi Opere, Firenze. martina.speziale@asf.toscana.it
Background:
A MMPz risk assessment was performed in a hospital in Florence, by calculating the MAPO index and the perceived effort through Borg's CR10 scale. The assessments carried out in 12 departments revealed that 5 had an unacceptable risk level, 5 had a slight-to-medium risk level, and 2 had a slight risk level.
Methods:
To establish which factor, if eliminated, would most reduce the risk, a new MAPO index was calculated, considering each time a different factor to be eliminated.
Results:
Lifting devices and worker training are the factors that most reduce risk. Another factor influencing a situation of risk is the ratio between the number of non-self sufficient patients and the number of operators assigned to their care. In fact, in an ideal situation where all other factors are excellent, risk would arise when NC/OP+PC/OP >7.16, which is when more than 7.16 non-self sufficient patients are assigned to each operator every day. Such a ratio has never been observed in any of the departments.
Discussion And Conclusions:
The risk levels found agree with those reported in the literature and are the result of a lack of training, organization and resources. Subjective perception via Borg's scale is a good rating of risk level, when not the aids available are considered but their actual use.
Insights
Hospital patient handling risk assessments identified that lifting devices and worker training significantly reduce risk. Perceived effort scales, like Borg
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Patient Safety
- Ergonomics
Background:
- A risk assessment was conducted in a Florentine hospital using the MAPO index and Borg's CR10 scale.
- Assessments across 12 departments indicated varying risk levels, with 5 departments showing unacceptable risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors that, if addressed, would most effectively reduce patient handling risks.
- To evaluate the impact of eliminating specific risk factors on the overall risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- The MAPO index was recalculated iteratively, with each calculation excluding a different potential risk factor.
- Worker perceived effort was measured using Borg's CR10 scale.
Main Results:
- Implementation of lifting devices and comprehensive worker training were identified as the most effective risk reduction strategies.
- The ratio of non-self-sufficient patients to care operators (NC/OP+PC/OP) was analyzed; risk increases significantly if this ratio exceeds 7.16.
- This critical patient-to-operator ratio was not observed in any assessed department.
Conclusions:
- Identified risk levels align with existing literature, stemming from deficiencies in training, organization, and resources.
- The Borg's CR10 scale provides a reliable measure of perceived risk, particularly when considering the actual utilization of available aids.
