Did the Finnish Ergonomic Patient Handling Passport® evoke changes in vocational education and work places?

Abstract: The Finnish Ergonomic Patient Handling Passport® (EPHP®) was developed in consensus with Finnish experts, and has been standardized and registered in Finland since 2009. The EPHP® scheme defines the competencies, skill, and knowledge levels needed to perform patient transfers safely; ensures compliance with legislative requirements; and enhances patient safety and the quality of care. In Finland to date, over 2 800 people have passed the EPHP® exam and 275 have undergone the instructor training, of whom one third are teachers from different levels of vocational education. The result of a small questionnaire to 80 instructors reveals that about half of the schools have an instructor training the EPHP® scheme in some form or other. In the practical nurses’ education, EPHP® training is most commonly optional (n =12) or supplementary (n=14), and in three collages compulsory. For the registered nurses and physiotherapists, EPHP® training is available in two organizations as compulsory, in two as optional, and in four as supplementary. In the workplaces, the progress has been faster and the benefits of EPHP® training in both the quality of care and well-being of staff are evident. The EPHP® training appears to achieve the aims set forth by work places.

Keywords: Safe patient handling, Ergonomic patient handling passport, Education and training of nursing students and staff

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100480

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