Just a few short years later, we have come to realize that the use of gloves and masks protect both health care workers and patients and that, when explained, these safety devices are found not only acceptable, but desirable on the part of patients and families. In addition, these controls help reduce the occurrence of hospital acquired infections which can greatly increase patient length of stay and increase health care costs overall. Lifting devices use the latest technology to move patients in the simplest and safest manner. With lifting devices we can move some of the heaviest patients easily and smoothly, which means we can move them more frequently. It also allows us to move our elderly patients more easily.
Mobility is an essential factor to improve patient care.
Immobility leads to complications such as pneumonia, pressure sores, and emboli, which sometimes cause a downward spiral from which the patient never recovers. Thus, when we can assist patients in moving it means fewer complications thereby decreasing lengths of stay and health care costs. COST ANA believes that the ergonomics standard will not only save the health and careers of nurses, but that it will reduce costs for health care facilities. The same musculoskeletal disorders that are costing nurses their professional livelihoods are also extremely costly to the health care industry. First, we think that the potential cost savings to health care facilities by promoting improved mobility in patients and residents should not be underestimated.