Patient Lifting Device Use by Caregivers in a Hospital Setting: A proposed research program

Abstract

The literature cites several recurrent barriers that contribute to the under-utilization of patient lifting devices (PLDs) by caregivers (CGs), resulting in the profession being at high-risk for musculoskeletal injury. There is considerable evidence that training is a barrier to PLD use, due to the staff shortages and time constraints that result when CGs attend (provincially mandated) off-site hands-on practical training. Therefore, the current research program aims to contribute towards a better understanding of the barriers to the chronic concern of low PLD use by CGs, and, to evaluate an alternative approach that could be used to reduce the time CGs spend off the floor and enhance musculoskeletal health and well-being. Study 1 will conduct focus groups and administer a Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)-based questionnaire to better understand the barriers between (a) CGs’ knowledge (training/education) and intent to use PLDs, and (b) CGs’ intent to use PLDs and actual PLD use (i.e., behaviour). Also, patients and their family members will be interviewed to better understand the role of the patient as a potential barrier to PLD use. Study 2 will conduct focus groups with: (i) hospital staff who design, develop and deliver PLD training programs, (ii) unit managers, and (iii) new CG hires. Via questionnaire, Preceptors will evaluate the impact of the barrier subcategories identified on the perceived overall effectiveness of a PLD training program. Study 3 will explore the feasibility of implementing vicarious learning through observation (two intervention groups) as an effective alternative to off-site hands-on learning (control group) for new CG hires, with Preceptors evaluating the three groups’ effectiveness via a questionnaire. It is hypothesized that (a) training is an important barrier to the under-utilization of PLDs by CGs (Study 1), (b) there is a need for an effective alternative to off-site hands-on learning that does not remove CGs from units (Study 2), and (c) vicarious learning through observation is as effective as hands-on learning for the utilization of PLDs by new CG hires.