Empowering staff nurses to use research to change practice for safe patient handling

Although evidence supports safe patient handling practices, nurses are not always involved in the process of evaluating and selecting lifting equipment. This study used a descriptive design to: (1) assess staff's perceived barriers and attitudes toward safe patient handling, (2) identify staff needs for equipment and education concerning safe patient handling, and (3) involve staff in the equipment selection process before implementing a safe patient handling program. Overall, staff on all units indicated that they wanted more equipment and education. Major barriers identified by staff were lack of: a “no lift” policy, adequate lifting equipment, and adequate space on patient care units. Staff had the opportunity to participate in a vendor fair and select equipment for trial. An appraisal was conducted with 2 vendors for trialing and evaluating the equipment. Nursing staff had the ability to participate in research and change practice for safe patient handling.