The Role of Facility Champion

1. The Role of Facility Champion David Alexandrou MS, RN,CNL-BC Heather M Monaghan RN MHSc.

2. Role Definition • To provide leadership and assume continuing responsibility for the: development implementation coordination maintenance evaluation of the Safe Patient Handling (SPH) program in your respective VA organization

3. Development of the SPH program • Establish relationships • Identify goals of the program with your manager • Set up SPH committee or include in existing safety group • Educate stakeholders of the program and your role • Develop your support network.

4. Facility Champion Network Diagram

5. Implementing the SPH Program • Unit Hazard Assessments • Ordering the Equipment • Overseeing delivery and installation • UPL training • Clinical Staff Training • Vendor training • Multi-tasking!

6. Maintenance of the SPH Program • Support and develop the UPL network in your organization • Empower Nurse Managers ,UPL’s, clinical staff • Be flexible to new or unexpected challenges • Maintain and develop new relationships • Introduce new ideas/approaches • Evaluate : Appreciative Enquiry

7. Evaluating the SPH Program • Falls and Pressure Ulcers • Workers Compensation • Track injury rates • Monitor equipment use • Recruitment and Retention • Staff questionnaire • Patient Safety Center

8. Challenges: Equipment • Vendors • Meeting budget deadlines • Facilities management • Evaluation and trialing

9. Challenges: Strategic Role • Mentorship • Stewardship • Facility Goals

10. Unexpected Challenges • Storage of equipment • Old equipment • Equipment compatibilities • Laundering of slings • Educational material

11. Document Your Journey • Keep a journal • Reflective Practice • Share your experiences • Publish

12. Final Thought! “Anything worth doing does not have to be done perfectly --- at first” (Blanchard 1999 The Heart of a Leader)