You’ve probably heard it said before; the only screening tool that has the power to detect and prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) is colonoscopy—not FIT tests, not CT colonoscopy, and not stool DNA tests. While other methods might seem easier or less intimidating, they simply do not deliver the benefits of colonoscopy, that is, the ability to find and remove polyps.

Anyone in involved in colonoscopy knows that applying abdominal pressure is risky business. But just how dangerous is it? An ergonomics expert weighs in.

According to the Joint Commission, high reliability healthcare organizations must demonstrate “consistent excellence in quality and safety across all services maintained over long periods of time.” It further notes that currently there is no healthcare facility that meets these standards. Despite the bleak statement, the Commission believes that the goal, while lofty, is achievable.

For those not familiar with the Joint Commission, it is a not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies over 22,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the U.S. Accreditation and certification are completely voluntary, but entities that pass muster are recognized as prioritizing and delivering high quality patient care in a safe environment.

Have you ever wondered if the physical tasks you perform at work are safe? In healthcare, for instance, overexertion from repetitive manual patient handling is the primary cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for staff. Because daily duties routinely involve heavy manual lifting, pushing, or pulling, healthcare has the highest rate of MSDs among all industries. And different medical specialties come with different dangers. For instance, endoscopy (GI) staff must worry about the risks of applying abdominal pressure during colonoscopy, especially on obese patients.

For healthcare staff, handling patients on a daily basis puts so much force on the musculoskeletal system that even perfect body mechanics cannot prevent pain and injury. Learn how endoscopy nurses and technicians can guard against the inevitable—in under a minute.

Did you know that one of every two endoscopy staff will suffer a work-related musculoskeletal disorder? Find out why in under a minute.

In the recent past, hospitals and healthcare organization balked at the cost of safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) equipment, for instance, patient lifts. Over the last few years, however, awareness of work-related injury (and its costs) among healthcare staff has grown. In addition, recent studies indicate that SPHM investments pay for themselves quickly. That said, there are quite a few SPHM tools and technologies with a low price point; some are even free!

Inadequate staffing and substandard patient handling equipment can get in the way of a nurse’s ability to care for patients. And then there is the human factor. Walk into any office break room, and you will find a wide variety of temperaments and personalities. In fact, sitcoms and movies that parody workplace culture are commonplace. In healthcare, however, where a patient’s welfare is in question, disruptive behavior is no laughing matter. HR problems can escalate quickly and can have dramatic negative impacts.

In 2018, the number of U.S. workers involved in strikes and lockouts was at its highest rate since 1986. This is despite the fact that percentage of U.S. workers who belong to a union continues to fall; the current rate is 10.5%.