Jul 8, 2026 – Bariatric Mobility and Safe Patient Handling: Safety, Dignity, and Outcomes

Live and recorded on Jul 8, 2026 from 2 PM – 3 PM Eastern
FREE to ALL. Thank you to the sponsorship by Arjo.Inc.

Title: Bariatric Mobility and Safe Patient Handling: Safety, Dignity, and Outcomes
Presented by  Susan Gallagher, PhD, MSN, MA, RN, CBN, CSPHP

Overview:

The prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide, resulting in a growing number of hospitalized patients who require specialized mobility and safe patient handling strategies. Patients with obesity often experience reduced mobility, impaired functional capacity, and increased risk of complications such as pressure injuries, respiratory compromise, and prolonged hospitalization. At the same time, healthcare workers face elevated risk of musculoskeletal injuries when performing manual patient handling tasks involving higher body weights. Safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs are essential for improving patient safety while reducing occupational injuries. Evidence supports the use of mechanical lifting devices, friction-reducing technologies, and structured mobility protocols to decrease caregiver injuries and support patient mobility and rehabilitation. However, caring for patients with obesity presents additional challenges, including equipment capacity limitations, environmental constraints, and staff training needs. This session reviews evidence-based strategies for bariatric mobility, including safe patient handling technologies, mobility protocols, and interdisciplinary approaches that promote patient dignity, improve outcomes, and enhance workforce safety.

 Objectives:

1. Describe the impact of obesity on mobility, functional status, and hospitalization outcomes.
2. Explain the principles of safe patient handling and mobility programs for patients with obesity.
3. Identify common risk factors for musculoskeletal injury among healthcare workers performing patient handling tasks.
4. Discuss equipment and technology solutions that support safe mobility for bariatric patients.
5. Apply evidence-based strategies to improve patient mobility while reducing caregiver injury risk.

Meet the Speaker

Susan Gallagher earned a Master’s in Nursing: Advanced Practice WOC Nursing from the University of Southern California in 1995. She also holds a Master’s in Religion and Social Ethics and a PhD in Policy Ethics from the University of Southern California. Dr. Gallagher is certified in Bariatric Nursing and is a Certified Safe Patient Handling Professional. She is past president of Association for Safe Patient Handling and Professionals, Associate Editor for Workplace Health and Safety (AAOHN), has served on a number of international boards, and is a recognized speaker across the globe on skin and wound care, outcomes, bariatrics, ethics, risk, and loss control. In 2024, she earned the Marie Brown Etris Award for advancing equitable skin care for patients weighing 500–1200 pounds. Today, she leads the Bariatric National Solutions Conference, connecting experts worldwide to promote inclusive, dignified care for every patient.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 15826, for 1 contact hour.

Webinar Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6060976940218131798