Special Approaches for Safe Handling of Disabled Children in the Netherlands
By Knibbe, Nico E., MSc; Knibbe, Hanneke J. J., MSc, RPT; Crist, John; Rehabilitation Nursing, Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 18-21Publication Date: January/February 2008
Article describes how healthcare providers and lawmakers in the Netherlands are addressing safe patient handling of children with disabilities. Routine lifting and transferring of these patients put the caregiver’s back at risk for injury. Approaches to reduce back strain include: (1) education about manual load limits; (2) proper use of transfer devices, such as the sit-to-stand device; (3) the haptonomic approach to nonverbal communication, which consider the amount of force applied, the amount of space between the child and caregiver, and the speed of the caregiver’s motion during a transfer; (4) strict national guidelines on safe patient handling and static loads; and (5) the use of ergonomic coaches on inpatient wards. Implications for nursing care are discussed.
Published by: Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (Website:http://www.rehabnurse.org)
