This lesson on Moving the Patient includes a complete in-service training packet. It takes approximately one hour to complete and fully meets the Medicare in-service training requirement for one hour of hospice aide training.

The lesson is easy to use and written specifically for hospice aides. As aides need training, simply copy the pages from each lesson as needed—the only restriction is that aides receiving training must work from your office location. Remember, your hospice aides must have 12 hours of in-service training every year.

LESSON OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, the hospice aide will be able to:

• Describe types of movement that decrease the risks of injury and name safe methods for carrying out the movement
• Name the injury an aide is most likely to experience when transferring or lifting patients
• List three pieces of equipment an aide might use to help transfer or lift a patient

OVERVIEW
Almost 60 percent of adults in the United States experience some type of back injury. Because back pain can affect a person’s ability to work and earn a living, it is important that hospice aides learn and use proper body mechanics to avoid injuring themselves. Body mechanics help decrease the amount of stress on the spine and thus the number of back injuries.

Back injuries are the major cause of lost work time for health care workers. Hospice aides are particularly at risk for such injuries because they often work with the most dependent patients and because their work frequently requires lifting and moving. In recent years some facilities have adopted policies that require a two-person team for all lifting. Many are purchasing specialized mechanical lifting equipment to facilitate the process. Because these alternatives are not usually available in the home of a hospice patient, getting down to the basics is important.

It’s also important to understand how the body moves and the risks associated with movement. Following simple guidelines and maintaining awareness can make a big difference in patient and employee outcomes. Good body mechanics, a safe environment, and the knowledge of appropriate equipment can protect the patient as well as the aide. This in-service lesson offers practical guidance on the aide’s role.

ALSO
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