MAPO Index (Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patients)

The MAPO Index methodology finds its application predominantly within hospitals and healthcare facilities where safe patient handling is a priority. It serves as an actionable tool during various phases of patient care, including pre-admission assessments and during the development of protocols for patient transfers. The tool is designed to be utilized by healthcare staff such as nurses, rehabilitation therapists, and occupational health professionals, who can collaboratively evaluate and score the risk associated with different patient handling scenarios. Its structured approach allows teams to assess not just the physical attributes of the patient, such as their weight and mobility level, but also incorporates the context of the transfer—whether using manual lifting techniques or assistive devices like hoists and slings. By adopting the MAPO Index, hospitals can develop training modules that educate staff on best practices for patient handling, reducing the likelihood of workplace injuries commonly associated with lifting and moving patients. In addition, the index aids administrators in resource allocation, guiding the investment in equipment that aligns with identified needs based on risk assessments, thus optimizing safety protocols and enhancing the overall care quality within the healthcare environment. Deploying this methodology can lead to measurable improvements in workplace safety statistics, ultimately promoting a culture of safety and care among health service providers.