WVU Medicine LIFT program reduces patient, employee injuries

WVU Medicine’s Living Injury Free Together (LIFT) program began in fall 2014 after staff members received training and education. The program incorporates lifts and antifriction sheets to mobilize patients, helping to reduce employee and patient injuries from overexertion.

The transfer mobility coaches (TMCs) received eight hours of training and function as “super users” in their departments.

“They serve a very important role in the program by being the go-to people in their units for safe patient mobility questions and for teaching techniques,” said Lana Bunner, safety specialist. “We have already experienced a reduction in OSHA recordable patient handling injuries from a yearly average of 41, down to 12. This can be directly attributed to the use of the Safe Patient Mobility Equipment through the guidance of our TMCs and other staff members.”