The purpose of this study was to investigate the variety of programs, policies, and practices used in the safe handling of patients and determine if there is a best practice in the field of occupational therapy. However, if a request is made, its validity must also be confirmed. While there are various ways to address and ensure safe patient handling, as noted in research, and some methods are used more often than others, strategies to prevent or minimize injuries associated with patient handling are often based more on tradition and on personal experience rather than evidence. based. Some of the most common approaches to patient handling in the United States include manual patient lifting, body mechanics classes, training in safe lifting techniques, and back belts. Surprisingly, there is strong evidence that each of these approaches is not effective in reducing healthcare worker injuries. A safe patient handling policy has proven to be the best way to ensure physician and patient safety within the facility. What is safe patient management? “Strategies to prevent or minimize work-related musculoskeletal injuries associated with patient handling are often based on tradition and personal experience rather than scientific evidence” (Nelson & S., Evidence-Based Practices for Safe Patient Handling and Movement, 2006). “Patient handling and movement activities are physically demanding, performed under adverse conditions, and are often unpredictable in nature” (Nelson & S., Evidence-Based Practices for Safe Patient Handling and Movement, 2006). What is a musculoskeletal disorder? “Musculoskeletal disorders are caused by constant stress on the body, often resulting from the work environment” (Slusser, Rice, & Miller, 2012). Which steps should be... center of paper... maximized. As you have read, there are many procedures and elements that go into implementing a successful policy for the safe handling of patients in the correct work environment. By following these steps, a safe patient management policy should be easy to coordinate. Works Cited Nelson, A., & S., B. A. (2006). Evidence-based practices for safe patient handling and movement. Orthopedic Nursing, 25 (6), 366-379. Nelson, A., Collins, J., Knibbe, H., Cookson, K., Castro, A. d., & Whipple, K. L. (2007, March). Safer patient movement. Nursing Management, 26-31. Slusser, L. R., Rice, M. S., & Miller, B. K. (2012). Safe patient handling curriculum in occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs: A descriptive study of school curriculum in the United States of America. Work: a journal of prevention, assessment and rehabilitation , 42 (3), 385-392.