On SHiPs and Safety: A Journey of Safe Patient Handling in Pediatrics

Nursing personnel have consistently been ranked among the top ten professions impacted by musculoskeletal injuries. Inpatient pediatric nurses witnessed an increase in injuries and upon discovering limited evidence applicable to pediatrics, conducted a research study to evaluate the effectiveness of a safe patient handling program. Surveys were distributed to assess risk and workplace safety perceptions. Post-implementation, surveys revealed a statistically significant (p > 0.0001) increase in staff perception of workplace safety, reduction in risk perception for several nursing tasks, and reduction in injury related costs. As a result of this program, workplace safety was improved through education and equipment provision.