Abstract

Patient transfers are one of the principal causes of back injuries in the hospital sector. A global analysis of the various causes of such problems, and of their relative importance, has not been performed. This project, involving a geriatric hospital, was undertaken to remedy this situation. In the first phase of the project, hospital accident records were analyzed, and patient transfer equipment and organization characterized. Observation of actual patient transfers was also performed.

This was followed by the formulation of recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of back problems in the short or mid-term. The recommendations were concerned with training and management practices, and modification of transfer equipment and organisation. The corrective measures proposed can be implemented in other hospitals.

In January 1992, the IRSST funded a research project related to this project's principal recommendation: the development of safe and ergonomically sound patient-handling equipment which can be operated by a single person.