How WVU Cut Caregiver Injuries by 98%—And What Your Facility Can Learn
The role of a Clinical Safety Education Specialist at West Virginia University Hospitals (WVU Hospitals) includes comprehensive training of direct patient care staff on the use of lift equipment and oversight of the Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) program.
WVU Hospitals is an 881-bed tertiary care academic medical center, recognized as a comprehensive stroke center, level one trauma center, joint and bariatric center of excellence, and a Magnet-designated facility. Since its launch in 2014, the SPHM program—branded LIFT(Living Injury Free Together)—has been instrumental in transforming patient and staff safety.
Challenges prior to implementation
Before the implementation of the SPHM program, the hospital faced persistent challenges related to patient handling and staff injuries. Routine care activities such as repositioning patients, assisting with transfers, and boosting led to an average of 41 injuries annually. In 2011 alone, workers’ compensation costs exceeded $500,000, underscoring the urgent need for a strategic solution.
“We had a lot of employee injuries. Our workers claim dollars were through the roof, something had to be done about it.“ - Evelina Neighbors, BS, PTA
Laying the groundwork with Arjo
In response, WVU Hospitals explored several potential interventions and ultimately partnered with Arjo. Arjo delivered a structured, step-by-step approach to build the SPHM program from the ground up, offering not only essential equipment but also critical program development resources. This collaboration positively impacted staff, patients, and the broader organization.
Training and implementation
Arjo dedicated expert trainers to lead the comprehensive education of more than 8,000 employees, including designated “super-users.” This consistent, standardized instruction led to measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, including reduced incidence of pressure injuries, fewer falls, and increased patient satisfaction.
“Clinically, our pressure injuries have gone down, our falls have gone down, our patient satisfaction & outcomes have gone up. Patients love the Arjo equipment, they feel more safe, more secure, especially patients that are less mobile.“ - Evelina Neighbors, BS, PTA
Substantial decrease in injury-related costs
By 2024, the organization reported a dramatic reduction in workers’ compensation costs—from over $500,000 to just $88,000. This success was driven by consistent use of safe patient handling equipment, significantly reducing the risk of staff injuries.
“The Arjo MOVE program's 60% injury reduction guarantee was surpassed, achieving a 98% reduction.“ - Evelina Neighbors, BS, PTA
Arjo MOVE guarantees
Leadership engagement as a success factor
A key driver of the program’s sustained success was strong leadership support. Financial investment and clear policy directives from executive leadership reinforced staff adherence. The use of a consistent training team ensured accurate, uniform messaging across the organization.
“Arjo mapped everything out for us, made it so much easier for us, and gave us the resources that we need.”
“We're creating videos for our staff as a resource. We're generating those videos into QR codes to place on our pieces of equipment, just so staff can have that as a resource.“ - Evelina Neighbors, BS, PTA
Additionally, nursing staff now use a standardized lift screening tool to ensure the appropriate equipment is used for each patient's specific needs.
Structured approach yields lasting results
Establishing a robust SPHM program requires a methodical assessment of existing practices, followed by structured implementation, staff-wide training, and the integration of standardized workflows. Ongoing performance monitoring and consulting support are essential for continuous improvement.
The Arjo MOVE program exemplifies this approach. With its guaranteed 60% injury reduction, strong leadership alignment, and standardized training practices, it has delivered measurable improvements at WVU Hospitals. Outcomes include significantly reduced staff injuries, improved patient satisfaction, and substantial financial savings. By embedding these principles, healthcare organizations can foster safer, more effective care environments.
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Grounded in clinical evidence and tailored to your facility’s data, the Arjo MOVE program supports high-quality care that enhances mobility, improves outcomes, boosts staff well-being, and optimizes both operations and financial performance.
Arjo MOVE - Guaranteed Outcomes Program
If you're interested in learning more about our Caregiver Injury Reduction, Pressure injury Prevention and/or our Falls Programs, we would be happy to support you with guaranteed results.