Implementation of a Fitness Education and Training Program to Support Safe Patient Handling and Safe Lifting

Implementation of a Fitness Education and Training Program to Support Safe Patient Handling and Safe Lifting in a Community Based Hospital (The Fit for Work Project)

This project involves the delivery of education and training sessions to Seven Oaks General Hospital (SOGH) staff, with the goal of workplace injury prevention. Education will include review of provincial safe patient handling and back injury prevention guidelines and review of core fitness competencies required to comply with injury prevention standards. Training sessions will include exercises to improve core, gluteal and quadricep strength, hip/knee mobility and hamstring flexibility. Training will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on functional movement performance. Outcomes will include questionnaires on: low back pain/dysfunction; movement confidence; work injury rates and participant satisfaction with program. The project will advise stakeholders of the benefits and challenges associated with implementation of a fitness program to support safe patient handling techniques, as outlined in the provincial guidelines for healthcare workers.

The Fit for Work Project is an educational and training program outcome evaluation. It is a two-part education and practical program designed to evaluate the effects of training on movement confidence, low back dysfunction and changes in rates of lower back injury. In the first part, participants will attend the education session developed by physiotherapists who specialize in return to work programs. In the second part participants will participate in a 4-week practical program, where they will stretch, lengthen and strengthen key muscles used in squatting, weight shifting and the hip hinge movement. Feedback and movement coaching are an important element in performing and mastering these movements correctly and this workplace wellness training program will provide staff the support needed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female, age 18 years or older
• Staff of Seven Oaks General Hospital during the time of the program
• Able to communicate in English and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• An acute injury, a medical condition, or other personal reason inhibiting participation in all 4 weeks of exercise training sessions