SSM Health Illinois introduces LIFTsmart program

SSM Health Illinois recently partnered with Arjo Inc. to implement a program designed to enhance the safety of patients and reduce workplace injuries.

The SSM Health Illinois program, named LIFTsmart: Living Injury Free Together, was launched with SSM Health’s focus on safety and continual improvement. The program includes lifts, lateral transfers and repositioning, slings, and standing and raising aids. The state-of-the-art equipment provides key team members with the tools, skills, and knowledge to enable safe and efficient working. The LIFTsmart program will assist in reducing patient falls, bedsores, length of patient stay, and staff injuries associated with patient handling.

“We are excited to bring the patient and mobility equipment to our ministries to help improve the quality of care for our patients. Our LIFTsmart program will also help our team members avoid injuries related to lifting and assisting patients,” states Jane T. Ritter, RN, MA, NEA-BC, Interim Regional V.P. of Patient Care Services/CNO.

Each year nationally, more than 700,000 patients fall in hospitals, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Research shows that close to one-third of falls can be prevented. Fall prevention involves managing a patient’s underlying fall risk factors and optimizing the hospital’s physical design and environment.