HELPSM

HoverTech’s Healthcare Ergonomic Lifting Program
 

HELPSM is Here!

As the leader in patient handling technologies, HoverTech developed our exclusive Healthcare Ergonomic Lifting Program (HELPSM) to increase employee safety, improve patient care and lower workers’ compensation costs. 

How Does the HELPSM Program Work?

  1. Comprehensive hospital risk assessment
    Our HELPSM consultants gather data through document reviews and interviews with nursing management and workers’ compensation personnel, as well as by performing an operational assessment. OSHA reports are reviewed for patient handling claims and costs are analyzed to develop a benchmark for measuring savings.
     
  2. Design of a "minimal lift" program
    After compiling pertinent information for each department, the HoverTech clinical consultants design a customized safe patient handling program based on new policies and procedures, and by recommending the most effective patient lifting equipment.
     
  3. Program implementation and training
    Once an agreement is reached, HELPSM consultants engineer a complete installation of your customized HELPSM system, including installation of equipment, protocols and procedures. Implementation also includes education and training on all equipment, with 24/7 training while the equipment is installed.
     
  4. Program monitoring
    HELPSM consultants continue to work closely with the facility to monitor injury reports and track program success. They provide re-training if necessary and participate in your QI/safety team.
     
  5. Proven results
    HoverTech customers have experienced workers’ compensation savings that equal or exceed the cost of the HELPSM system within two years. The HELPSM system has proven results in significantly reducing patient handling injuries and their associated workers’ compensation expenses. Results from a few hospitals who have implemented the HELPSM system include:
    • Payback in six months and $662,000 in annual savings
    • Payback in eight months and $585,000 in annual savings
    • Payback in 13 months and $310,000 in annual savings
       

Now, HELPSM has been expanded with options that allow you to customize the program to fit your needs - and provide the best return on your investment. The HELPSM program, supported by Visioning HealthCare, offers comprehensive consultancy services from safe patient handling experts who will work with you to maximize your ROI and make your program successful and sustainable.
 

PRE-ASSESSMENT - Consultant Support & Program Development
This preliminary step will help you recognize your starting point as an organization and establish your Safe Patient Handling (SPH) Program goals to determine the appropriate level of HELPSM for your particular situation.

Before implementing your SPH program, it is important to identify your organization's readiness for change. Time spent at this stage will help maximize the return on your financial and personnel investment, as well as provide a strong foundation for a program that is sustainable for years to come.

What Kind of HELPSM Would Help You?
The HELPSM Pre-Assessment Tool is designed to:

  • Recognize the strengths of your existing organization.
  • Identify the scope of your SPH program.
  • Identify how much HELPSM is appropriate.

OPTION 1 - Equipment, Training & Policy
Option 1 includes the complimentary facility SPH risk assessment and provides a comprehensive report of the equipment you will need to ensure a safe patient handling culture. Vendor training is performed and an SPH policy is established to give your program a strong start.

This foundation, upon which a more comprehensive program can be built, includes:

  • A fundamental approach to evaluating the impact of your SPH program.
  • Unit-based SPH risk hazard assessment throughout the facility.
  • A comprehensive report that includes high risk tasks and equipment recommendations.
  • Consideration of adaptable acuity and other care delivery approaches.
  • Vendor training.
  • An SPH policy that can be adapted to suit the needs of your organization.

OPTION 2 - Evaluate & Identify
Option 2 offers the support and guidance of expert consultants, who will help you plan, establish and support SPH structures, create strong evaluation strategies and engage your staff at all levels in the SPH Program.

This option provides consultant support in implementing your SPH program, which can include:

  • Extending your evaluation strategies to incorporate the key performance indicators desired by ACHA, Joint Commission, NDNQI, Magnet and those specific to your facility.
  • Program planning.
  • Role of the SPH lead - mentoring and support.
  • Train the Trainers - Parts One and Two.
  • Establishing an SPH committee.
  • Incorporating SPH into patient assessment and documentation.
  • SPH algorithms.
  • Including SPH in your orientation and preceptoring programs.
  • Marketing your SPH program to your staff.
  • Involving patients and relatives.
  • Support with assessing staff competencies.
  • Involving other disciplines in your program. 

OPTION 3 - Leadership & Change
Option 3, which can be implemented at any time during the HELPSM process, provides a unique approach to integrating leadership, change management and safe patient handling. It focuses on leadership and change management skills, and is particularly relevant to rekindling an existing SPH program, or in providing a sound base from which to maximize the success of a new one.

This option includes:

  • Creating a culture of change.
  • Role of the Nurse Manager in your SPH program.
  • Techniques to ensure that your SPH program is sustainable.
  • Reigniting the motivation for your SPH program.
     

 

What makes the HELPSM program different?

The HELPSM program empowers you and your facility to take ownership of your safe patient handling initiative, avoiding long term and recurring consultancy costs. Each option of the HELPSM program includes solutions to the challenges that you may encounter at different stages during your SPH program implementation. You select elements from any or all of the three options, ensuring that you only receive the HELPSM you need, in the way that best suits you and your budget.

Our specialist mentorship services also provide you with the security of having an SPH leadership and change expert available for advice and regular conference calls to support you throughout the implementation. Its customizable approach means it’s everything you need - and nothing you don’t.

More reasons to think smart and consider our exclusive HELPSM program:

For more information, contact your local HoverTech representative, or reach us at: 800.471.2776 or through our contact form.
true 0