Abstract
A working party developed and implemented the package for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and allied health assistants in a large metropolitan Health Network. Eighty eight per cent of all relevant staff completed training in the package and demonstrated improved knowledge of related legislation as well as safe manual handling procedures after training.
In line with current legislation relating to occupational health and safety, a package was developed and implemented to guide patient manual handling for the allied health team. The ‘Allied Health Smart Moves’ (AHSM) package was based on a risk assessment model, incorporating therapists' clinical judgment to minimize manual handling risks, while maximizing the therapeutic benefits for the patient.
The number of musculoskeletal disorders reported by the possible 227relevant allied health staff in the 6-month period before implementation of the AHSM package was three, and in the 6-month follow up period was none. The AHSM package was successfully developed and implemented within a large metropolitan health network.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 204-209 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Allied health
- Musculoskeletal disorder
- Occupational health and safety