FAQ’s

Q. How much will it cost to implement a lift team in my facility?

A. Obviously the cost of outsourced lift teams will vary depending upon institution size and coverage desired. That is why we do a comprehensive evaluation of the needs and services desired by each facility. We know that we are the low cost solution to internal departments or internal lift teams. Lift teams as an intervention method have reduced lost time injuries, claims and lost days in all hospitals surveyed. According to William Charney’s, “Back Injury Among Healthcare Workers,” overall cost to the hospital is lowered in both cases of injury claims and lift team department implementation.

Q. How do we start if we are interested in Atlas as our outsourced lift team?

A. At Atlas we make the process as easy as 1-2-3. We take over the need for implementing and managing a Safe Patient Handling & Movement program because Atlas is your S.P.H.M Program. We do this with our effective and easy 3-step process:

1) Step one is an on-site visit and analysis of the hospital needs for both staff and equipment. After we do a comprehensive analysis, we then propose a fee schedule for the hospital based on those needs, in that we identify any equipment costs (usually relatively modest), and work with the hospital staff to set performance metrics and savings.

2) The second step involves implementation where we initially integrate our staff with hospital employees, coordinate and train with the nursing staff, and then communicate to all departments about Atlas’ services and how to make use of them in the context of hospital care and work.

3) Finally, we monitor progress, adjust staffing, and can provide multiple analysis in terms of payback, ROI, etc.

Q. How quickly can Atlas lift teams be implemented?

A. We can be up and running in 60 days but we find it generally takes the facility longer than Atlas. Cost saving results can be seen in as short as 3 to 6 months.

Q. How trained are your staff members? Do they just lift?

A. All of our staff is trained on proper lifting techniques, lifting equipment and procedures. Each team member has a minimum qualification of EMT and many are paramedic qualified and have been in the medical field for years. They are all tested for physical abilities, and undergo initial and randomized drug tests. All of our staff are insured and bonded. In addition to lifting, boosting, repositioning and transporting we can provide trauma lift and transport, haz-mat decontamination, assistance with combative patients and morgue lift/transport.

Q. How do we contact your lift teams within our hospital?

A. We use the facility’s communication system of pagers, cell phones or radios depending on the protocol of your institution. All of our lift team are in distinctive uniforms and are easily identifiable.

Q. Who directs the lift team within our facility?

A. We develop a reporting relationship that varies by institution but typically lift teams report to someone on the nursing staff. At shift changes Atlas staff coordinates with the changing staff of the institution to make services seamless and readily available. We adopt your schedules and coordinate with your staff. In addition to the supervision within the hospital, our staff is required to provide biometric (fingerprint) check-in at the start and end of each shift. In addition, Atlas has regional managers that further coordinate the Atlas staff and regularly check on the needs of our clients.

Q. What happens if we simply don’t like or have trouble working with and Atlas employee?

A. We try to hire like you would hire, but we understand there can be conflicts. Our number one goal is to provide a safe, effective and seamless safe patient handle program to your hospital. If someone is not working out within your facility  we will remove that staff member from your institution.

Q. What are typical terms and conditions for the relationship?

A. We view this as a partnership. We don’t just work for your hospital, we become an integral part of your facility. We generally work under contracts of several years with cancellation options if the results aren’t as anticipated.

LEARN MORE: If you are interested in learning more about Atlas and how we can help with your lifting and transport needs, please contact us.