Equipi challenges provide innovation opportunities

EQUIPI Comprehensive equipment and rental system for Acute and Sub-Acute Challenges In Healthcare Provide Innovation Opportunities Cindy Eason- Fall 2015 5221x1-Research Evidence and Findings-Independent Research November 1, 2015 cynthialynneason@gmail.com

the world oF Healthcare Image Source: Google

The reality of Healthcare includes the incorrect assumption body mechanics will prevent injury. The key driver in this system to preventing injury, is to provide a mechanical external device to aid healthcare workers in patient lifting and transfers.

Main points to remember: ● The aging and obese populations pose problems to the current healthcare system. ● In the past hospitals have not made worker safety a priority because all hospital resources have historically been placed to protect patients. ● The culture of healthcare has always been “to do no harm” at any expense, even neglecting your own needs as a healthcare provider.

The interviews and conversations I had with some nursing professionals revealed some interesting information regarding the viability of this project. It revealed where the emphasis should be in terms of challenges in healthcare and opportunities for innovation. The interviews disclosed a dual solution to the current healthcare status quo, such as decreasing length of stay for all levels of care, and an opportunity to increase equipment supply to the existing system. The increased liquidity of the supply of equipment in the healthcare system will decrease the incidence of worker injury, and decrease the incidence of length of stay related to equipment availability.

Equation and Solution for Healthcare Decreased Length of Stay + Increased Equipment Supply + Decreased Injury = Equilibrium = Equipi

How can this system be utilized? ●

Equipment solution assessment and action

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Decision Path to aid in assessment needs

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Replace, maintain, inspect existing equipment

Conclusions To conclude this research design inquiry to explore the challenges in healthcare, and possible innovation opportunities, one has to realize the paramount problems to the existing system and culture are fixed, and for many decades resistant to change. The reality in healthcare today is hospitals have been reluctant to change due to the culture of healthcare industry’s to “do no harm” to patients, and decreases in hospital budgeting. These aspects in healthcare have left no room to allow for more safety measures and processes for healthcare workers to safely transport and lift patients. These aspects and realities of healthcare have created innovation opportunities.

The availability of equipment in the healthcare system for lifts and transports will decrease the incidence of injury with correct use. Hospitals must be held accountable and provide a safer work environment for workers, but the current system has not mandated an intervention until now by OSHA to protect the worker. Not only has this new recommendation from OSHA created new innovation opportunities. Another innovation opportunity is the fact increasing safety equipment will positively impact decreased length of stay for all levels of healthcare, from the acute to post acute settings. This proposal offers dual opportunity and reasons to implement this system called Equipi.

Equipi entails an application for the rental or option to buy healthcare lifting and transfer equipment for hospital workers.

Thank you!!

References: Bureau of Labor Statistics. PDF table:Highest rates for total cases-Injuries and Illnesses-2013. Available at :bls.gov./lif/oshsum.htn. Accessed September 13, 2015.

Centers for Disease Control Workplace. Safety and Health Topics-Safety Patient Handling. Available at cdc.gov/micsh/topics/safepatient/. Accessed September 13, 2015.

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Nelson, Audrey PhD RN et al. “Myths and Facts About Back Injuries in Nursing.” American Journal of Nursing. February 2003. Volume 103. Issue 2.pp 32-40. Accessed September 13, 2015.

Zwerding, David. “Hospitals Fail to Protect Nursing Staff from Becoming Patients.” National Public Radio Website. 2015. Available at npr. org/2015/02/04/382639199/hospitals-fail-to-protect-staff. Accessed September 13, 2014.

Zwerding, David. “OSHA Launches Program to Protect Nursing Employees.” NPR Website. Available at npr.org/sections/the twoway/2015/06/24/417186384/osha-launches-program-to-protect-nursing-employees. Accessed June, September, October 2015.

References: Lambert,Lynda,RN. “Nurses: You’ve Been LIED to about your Back and Body Mechanics.” Available at allnurses.com/general-nursingdiscussion/nurses-you-ve-980933.html. Accessed October and November 2015.

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United States Department of Labor. Guidelines for Nursing Homes. Available https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/nursinghome/final_nh_guidelines.html. Accessed October 2015.