The Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) program at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities utilizes proven methods and the latest specialized devices and equipment to keep Veterans and staff safe when patients are lifted or moved. SPHM has helped reduce injuries related to patient handling by more than half since 2006. 

The purpose of this knowledge-based SPHM educational program of best practices is to support safety for all VA staff, and patients as well as increase improvement of patient-centered care. Some VA employees in contact with Veterans have limited knowledge of safe patient handling and mobility to provide care to the patients and their providers. In particular, nurses, nurse assistants, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, Kinesiotherapists, recreation therapists, radiologic technologists, dentists, dental assistants, social workers, and all staff providing hands-on care for patients need a full understanding of the uses and benefits of safe patient handling technology. 

All VA patient care employees need on-demand access to learn the policy, procedures, and rationale for SPHM and to choose the types and uses of tools to protect staff and patients, while maximizing patient mobility.

Learning Objectives:

1. identify at least two sources of evidence to support use of safe patient handling and mobility procedures in VHA medical facilities

2. describe an example of the MOST significant impact of using safe patient handling and mobility procedures for each - patient care, organization, and employees

3. explain at least two VHA policies or procedures relating to safe patient handling and mobility

4. select the appropriate type of supportive device given a transfer activity from bed to and from wheelchair to promote safety for patient and healthcare giver(s)

5. recognize the need for safe patient handling in all health care settings, including during emergencies.

Course Instructions

1. Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
2. Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
3. Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
4. Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page. 

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