Creating a culture of change through implementation of a safe patient handling program.

Health care professionals have a high risk for being injured while moving patients manually. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) realized a need to reduce injuries suffered during patient movement. A UIHC multidisciplinary task force consulted the latest research, trialed products, and involved employees in selecting equipment for and implementing a safe patient handling program. This program resulted in a 76% reduction in lost workdays and an 85% reduction in workers' compensation costs. The keys to this program were involving employees, partnering with a key vendor, engaging change agents at the unit level, and applying persistence and re-education to staff.