Ethics and Safe Patient Handing and Mobility
Chapter Nine
Ethics and Safe Patient Handing and Mobility
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Extent of the Problem
Safe Patient Handing and Mobility (SPHM) is a concern for patients, family members, and healthcare professionals.
SPHM involves safety when lifting, re-positioning, and transferring patients.
Formal issue of concern since the 1980s
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Barriers to SPHM
Implementation of best practices is limited by:
Lack of knowledge.
Perceptions of the use of equipment.
Equipment.
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Problem Solving
There is a need to further SPHM by influencing the work culture.
Costs of programs is a concern, but programs save money and prevent injury.
State legislation will assist.
Professional association campaigns address issues.
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Ethical Concerns
Nonmaleficence is a major ethics application for SPHM.
Nonmaleficience is also a cardinal ethics principle for healthcare providers.
Using evidence-based practices can prevent harm.
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Ethical Concerns
Nonmaleficence also includes educating patients and family members on SPHM to prevent harm.
Changing systems and making appropriate referrals are also part of nonmaleficence.
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Ethical Concerns
Beneficence is also an ethics concern in SPHM.
It means that do the best for others.
Beneficence includes maintaining the dignity of patients.
Beneficence also goes beyond the patient to include the family members.
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Ethical Concerns
Beneficence includes concern for staff members.
It is beneficent to prevent the staff injury by using SPHM.
Preventing injury also includes ethical stewardship.
SPHM practices honor the dignity and value of patient, family, and staff.
