Ideas That Work: Show Staff You’ve Got Their Backs

Staff at Einstein Endoscopy Center in Blue Bell, Pa., used to receive annual ergonomics training based on a standardized program designed by experts who work for the large health system that owns the facility. The instruction was geared toward equipment and techniques used to provide safe inpatient care, so the center’s leadership asked for on-site in-services to teach staff proper form and techniques for the specific ergonomic issues they face. Now, physical therapist Jodi Weitzman, PT, DPT, comes to the center once a year to work with staff individually. “We find the educational sessions are more meaningful and applicable,” says Adrienne Bellino-Ailinger, BSN, JD, RN, HNB-BC, CPHQ, the center’s performance improvement specialist. “Staff learn how to steady a lightheaded patient in recovery, position anesthetized patients and lift and move heavy boxes of supplies. We haven’t had to deal with staff injuries related to body mechanics or ergonomics since we’ve received targeted training.”