ZBI: Zero Back Injuries

The focus of the Z.B.I. program is reducing back injuries related to patient transfers. The typical resident is transferred on an average of 10 times a day. Even with the best training in body mechanics, back belts, and two person transfers, staff is still prone to back injuries. Research from third-party risk experts and all studies completed in the nursing industry state the safest way to transfer patients/residents is with a lifting device.

The problem with past lifting devices is that they were time consuming, staff was not comfortable in using them, and the right lifts were not available. We address these issues through our assessment process of each individual facility. We focus on automating the transfer process of the patients/residents and get the staff away from manual transfers.

Objective

The Z.B.I. program not only focuses on back injury reduction but we also show the staff and facilities other areas where we can reduce cost in the daily care of patients/residents.

• The Z.B.I. program guarantees a minimum 40% reduction in back injuries based on the OSHA 200 logs. Most facilities achieve a greater reduction than the 40%. If the facility does not achieve the 40% reduction we will buy the lifts back.
• The program also helps reduce light duty days.
• We also focus on the reduction of skin tears that sometimes occur while patients/residents are being transferred. Caregivers are involved with tender skin people and constant manual transfers that are done on a daily basis increase the chance of skin tears. Treatment of skin tears can be costly.
• Medcare is able to help facilities implement Bowel and Bladder training programs.
• Medcare can also reduce cost on disposable diapers and maintaining cloth diapers.
• Medcare patient lifts are the only lifts that can provide a scale on both our Stand Lift and Total Care Lift. This will help the facilities accurately and quickly monitor the patients'/residents' weight.

By achieving the above objectives, the facility will be helping the staff become more efficient and productive in their daily tasks. Our programs have improved morale and minimized turnover of staff.

Assessment

To achieve the above results, K-Med goes to each individual facility to assess the equipment needs to implement the Z.B.I. program. The assessment process considers several items in implementing the appropriate program.

• The size of the facility, i.e. number of beds
• The way the building is constructed, i.e. number of hallways
• The number of staff working during peak periods
• The level of care being provided at the facility, i.e. ambulatory to high dependency
• The goals the facilities want to achieve
• The number of existing lifts in the facility

After an assessment is completed, a recommendation is submitted to meet the objectives of each facility. The next step is the implementation of the program.

Implementation

Once a program is established, we will provide complete in-servicing for the staff and set up key operators on all shifts. We can help make recommendations on policy and procedures to complement existing company guidelines. The focus during this stage is to set up a team approach to obtain the objectives established between K-Med and the facility.

• Lifts will arrive at the facility already assembled and ready to use.
• Lifts come with in-service tapes for use after "hands on" in-servicing by K-Med.
• Staff will also be taught how to operate and maintain equipment.