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Description
This capstone project took place at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital where I worked closely with the quality and safety director of the UK’s Department of Radiology. The purpose of this project was to develop educational resources to educate radiology staff regarding safe patient handling when performing daily activities such as patient transfers and patient positioning to reduce staff injuries and prevent patient falls. Additional goals consisted of how to safely handle a falling patient and the implementation and use of gait belts within the radiology department. After reviewing the department’s staff injury data and developing a twelve-question survey, I was able to develop a 40+ web-based training presentation with the main focus of patient transfers and patient positioning. Then, I collaborated and developed a standard operating procedure for the department containing an updated assessment aid and implementation and use of gait belts. This project advances occupational therapy’s role in the workplace by preventing and reducing injuries and facilitating work performance and participation. This capstone project filled the need within the UK's radiology department to educate staff on how to safely handle a falling patient, minimize fall risk when transferring patients, and reduce staff injuries during patient transfers and positioning. Overall, this project highlights occupational therapy’s role in the workplace as OT practitioners have the knowledge and skill to educate and teach other healthcare professionals in regards to ergonomics, body mechanics, and safe patient handling.
Graduation Date
2025
Keywords
Radiologic technologists, acute care, safe patient handling, reduce staff injuries, patient transfers, patient positioning, body mechanics, gait belts, workplace injuries
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Document Type
Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Site Mentor
Leslie Anaskevich, MHS, RT(R)(ARRT)
Comments
Link to Presentation: https://youtu.be/l2X0s5g96JQ