Research Article  |   September 2014
Effects of a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program on Patient Self-Care Outcomes
Amy R. Darragh; Mariya Shiyko; Heather Margulis; Marc Campo
Author Affiliations
  • Amy R. Darragh, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Assistant Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, 406 Atwell Hall, 453 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210; amy.darragh@osumc.edu
  • Mariya Shiyko, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
  • Heather Margulis, PT, MS, is Associate Director of Rehabilitation Services, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, Boston, MA
  • Marc Campo, PT, PhD, is Professor, School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Article Information
Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation
Research Article   |   September 2014
Effects of a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program on Patient Self-Care Outcomes
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2014, Vol. 68, 589-596. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.011205
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2014, Vol. 68, 589-596. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.011205
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) program on patient self-care outcomes.

METHOD. We used a retrospective cohort design. Data were obtained from the electronic medical records of 1,292 patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation services. Self-care scores from the FIM™ for patients who participated in rehabilitation before implementation of an SPHM program were compared with the scores of patients who participated after implementation of the program.

RESULTS. Patients who received inpatient rehabilitation services with an SPHM program were as likely to achieve at least modified independence in self-care as those who received inpatient rehabilitation services without an SPHM program.

CONCLUSION. SPHM programs may not affect self-care performance in adults receiving inpatient rehabilitation services. However, more work must be done to define specific and effective methods for integrating patient handling technologies into occupational therapy practice.