Tags: Acute Care, Safety Culture / Worker Protection
Dec 10, 2025 – The Creation of a Car Lift Assistance Team
Live and recorded on Dec 10, 2025 from 2 PM – 3 PM Eastern FREE to ASPHP Members
Title: The Creation of a Car Lift Assistance Team
Presented by Tiffany Thao-Houane, OTR and Yvonne Valdecanas
Overview
Patients entering and exiting their vehicles at healthcare facilities presents a unique set of challenges. The level of assistance required can vary widely, and support is not always immediately available. When help is provided, healthcare staff often face significant risks during car transfers. This gap not only compromises patient safety but also places healthcare staff at risk for injury during unplanned transfer attempts. To address the persistent challenge of patient vehicle transfers at our institution, we established a dedicated Car Lift Assistance Team trained in safe patient handling and mobility practices. This webinar will highlight the development and impact of this specialized team to improve the safety and efficiency during vehicle transfers.
Objectives:
- Discuss reasons why patients need assistance with car transfers.
- Identify needs and challenges related to assisting patients with car transfers.
- Describe the purpose and functions of a car lift assistance team.
Meet the Speakers
Tiffany Thao-Houane is the Educator for the Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. She began her career as an acute care occupational therapist at MD Anderson in 2012 and realized the need for increased staff training and practices related to safe patient handling and mobility. Since transitioning to her current role in 2019, she creates and leads safe patient handling and mobility training programs and develops resources for staff across the institution.
Yvonne Valdecanas, PT, MHA, is the Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program Manager for MD Anderson Cancer Center. With over 20 years in rehabilitation and six years leading SPHM initiatives across MDACC’s extensive network, she drives system-wide strategies that prioritize patient and staff safety. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to implement evidence-based mobility practices, and ensures SPHM principles are embedded in facility planning and growth. She serves on key institutional committees focused on safety, falls, skin integrity, and mobility culture.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 15826, for 1 contact hour.
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