SAFETY IN THE HEALTHCARE SETTING

Objectives for Today:• Identify measures to promote safety in the health care

setting.

• Describe safety measures for using a wheelchair and stretcher

• Demonstrate correct body mechanics while performing procedures in the laboratory setting

• Demonstrate patient positioning and transfers in the lab setting

• Demonstrate use of the mechanical lift

ACTIVITY:

• Each row will receive a card with a category

• List five ways to promote safety for your category.

• You have two minutes, and then we will discuss!

What is it called when an accident occurs in

the health care setting?

an incident

Don’t forget to complete the incident report form!

Patients at Risk for Incidents

• Patients with Impaired mobility• Patients taking certain

medications• Disoriented patients• Patients with impaired vision or hearing

ERGONOMICS

Adapting the environment and using

techniques and equipment to prevent

injury to the body

Ergonomic Techniques

• use correct body mechanics

• raise beds to a comfortable working height

• use mechanical lifts

• use gait belts

Considerations

• Can my patient get up? If so, what are his/her limitations?

• Do I need any special equipment to assist me?

• Do I need any assistance from my coworkers?

Beginning/Ending Procedures

Certain actions that must be performed before/after patient

care

CAUTION:

• tubing

• patient’s condition– paralysis– paresis

• equipment

Vocabulary

ambulate: to walk

gait: the way in which a person walks

prosthesis: artificial limb

assistive devices: equipment used to help people become more effective in their physical activity

examples: crutches, walker, cane

Vocabulary cont.

• supportive devices: used to maintain proper body alignment and position

– pillows, folded sheets, splints, footboards

• How often should health care workers “turn” bedridden patients?

• Why are patients turned?

• Name some of the positions that patients may be placed in.

Patient Positions

Patient Positions

Patient Positions

Patient Positions

Patient Positions

Wheelchair/Stretcher Safety• be sure that brakes are locked when not

moving

• back into doorways and elevators

• carefully approach corners

• instruct patient to keep extremities inside of wheelchair/stretcher

• make sure that linen is not in way of wheels

Prevent Pressure Ulcers!

If a patient is going to be sitting in wheelchair for an extended period of time, instruct him/her to shift

their weight every 15 minutes

Remember . . .

Safety is everyone’s

responsibility!

Next . . .

• LAB – remainder of class– Please refer to your rubrics and assignment sheet that you

received from your folder today

Friday: Review questions, labMonday: Game Show Test ReviewTuesday: TestWednesday: Begin Infection Control Unit

TICKET OUT THE DOOR . . . 1. Document the check-off sheets that you

completed today.

2. Document one interesting thing you learned today in healthcare science.

date/time/entry/signature

• Don’t forget to submit your safety worksheet tomorrow.

• If you plan to join HOSA, get your dues/membership in to appropriate person