Outpatient Clinics

Safe Patient Handling – Outpatient Clinics

Do you think back injuries only happen in the hospital? BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) data shows that certified nursing assistants, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses together consistently lead the nation in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD’s).

These injuries do not stop at the hospital doors. Outpatient medical clinic employees face the same challenges and are at risk for the same type of WRMSD injuries.

The outpatient medical facilities have several challenges recently which have increased these workers: earlier discharge from inpatient care, resulting in patients needing more assistance and the increasing complexity of bariatric care.

Please refer to the Safe Patient Handling Acute and Equipment Guide pages for more information.

Access To Medical Care For Individuals With Mobility Disabilities (2010). New regulations under the Americans With Disabilities Act that describes how doctors’ offices, clinics, and other health care providers must design clinics so that people with disabilities can access care more easily, including the use of lift equipment to transfer patients from wheelchairs to exam tables.

ANA National Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Standards and Implementation Guide

This page will be updated when information is published about Safe Patient Handling in the Clinic environment.

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