Essentials of a Bariatric Patient Handling Program

There is a noticeable increase in the number of bariatric admissions to healthcare facilities. This trend presents a challenge to healthcare providers and facilities striving to provide dignified care that is effective and safe both for the patient and the provider. Many bariatric patients, due to their size and difficulty with mobility, require assistance with numerous activities of daily living. The more mobility-dependent the patient is, the greater the risk for injury for those providing the care. The additional myriad of bariatric patients' co-morbidities makes these patients especially vulnerable for health complications during their hospital stay. The authors of this article provide definitions related to bariatrics and describe specific health concerns of bariatric patients. They also discuss the risks of injury for providers caring for bariatric patients, explain the components of a bariatric safe patient handling program, and conclude with a discussion of current issues related to the care of bariatric patients.