QAPI Perspective
Policy/Procedure: Policies and procedures need to be up-to-date and meet current guidelines, including at least two people conducting patient transfers when using a mechanical lift.
Training: Staff training and competency evaluations in use of mechanical equipment, including lifts, should occur at the time of orientation, annually, and periodically as needed.
Audit: Conduct management observations of staff during normal resident care with mechanical lifts as well as random checks of use of mechanical equipment to ensure compliance and competency.
The estate of an Illinois woman filed suit against the operators of a nursing home,claiming the deceased died after she fell from a device used to lift her from a wheelchair. The administrator of the estate filed suit against the facility, as well as the company that operates the home. The woman had been admitted to the home on March 2, 2013 and she died Nov. 1, 2016. The suit claims that on Oct.20, 2016, a nurse’s assistant was attempting to transfer the patient from her wheelchair using a mechanical lift. The complaint alleges that the woman fell,struck her head, and suffered a severe injury. She was taken to the hospital on Oct. 20 and discharged from the emergency department that same day. She died on Nov. 2 after being taken back to the hospital by ambulance. The suit claims that nursing home policy requires the help of two trained staff members to use the lift. The home allegedly failed to respond and act according to the resident’s designation a “fall risk” patient, according to the suit. The estate is seeking at least $50,000 in damages in each of two counts.
