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Fray M, Davis KG. Effectiveness of Safe Patient Handling Equipment and Techniques: A Review of Biomechanical Studies. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:2283-2322. [PMID: 37947221 PMCID: PMC11382441 DOI: 10.1177/00187208231211842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aimed to evaluate all studies that have evaluated the biomechanical effects when using assistive devices. INTRODUCTION The physical demands of patient handling activities are well known. One safety strategy for the reduction of the physical risks is use of assistive devices. METHOD The search process identified articles published in English-speaking journals through Google Scholar, Medline, and ISI Web of Science. The included 56 studies contained a biomechanical assessment of a patient handling activity with assistive devices. RESULTS The biomechanical effects included four groups: changes in body posture (spinal, other joints), subjective assessment (force, effort, discomfort), measured force (hand force, ground reaction force, spine force, joint torque), and physiological measures. The evidence showed caregivers benefited from using lift hoists, air-assisted devices, and to a lesser extent friction reducing devices for lateral transfers and repositioning, while floor and ceiling lifts were most effective for patient transfers. Some gaps were noted in the evidence and other handling tasks such as sit-to-stand, turning patient in bed, limb lifting, and repositioning and some more high hazard activities like supporting people with limited balance and those that fall need to be investigated with respect to biomechanical outcomes. CONCLUSION There is a growing level of biomechanical evidence to support the use of assistive devices for many patient-handling tasks, but the benefits of equipment use in some transfers remain uninvestigated. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Evidence indicates the best way to lift patients safely is with floor or ceiling lifts, and air-assisted devices for lateral and repositioning tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Fray
- Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
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Speth J. Guidelines in Practice: Safe Patient Handling and Movement. AORN J 2024; 120:82-89. [PMID: 39072728 DOI: 10.1002/aorn.14191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The perioperative environment presents unique ergonomic challenges related to lifting and moving patients. These challenges place perioperative team members and patients at an increased risk for injury. The updated AORN "Guideline for safe patient handling and movement" provides perioperative nurses with guidance on safe patient handling and movement practices to help minimize the incidence of injuries to patients and health care workers. This article provides an overview of the guideline and discusses recommendations for a safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) program, ergonomic planning and facility design, SPHM technology, an individualized SPHM and ergonomic plan, and fall risk and mobility assessments. It also includes a scenario describing concerns related to patient and perioperative team member safety. Perioperative nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and apply the recommendations for safe patient handling and movement.
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Abdul Halim NSS, Mohd Ripin Z, Yusuf A, Ridzwan MIZ. Efficacy of lifting devices for wheelchair transfers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ERGONOMICS 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38994766 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2375360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
A high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has been reported among nurses as a result of the injuries caused by patient transfer and handling. This review examines the impact of motorised and non-motorised lifting devices on reducing physical stress during wheelchair transfers among nurses. Systematic electronic database searches were performed, and the review was prepared according to the PRISMA guidelines. The results of 20 studies on biomechanical stresses related to WMSDs were synthesised qualitatively, and 13 were analysed quantitatively using meta-analysis. Motorised lifting devices significantly decreased biomechanical stress among nurses [SMD -0.68; 95% CI -1.02 to -0.34], whereas non-motorised counterparts showed no significant change [SMD - 0.23; 95% CI -0.59 to 0.13]. This study underscores the effectiveness of motorised lifting devices in mitigating WMSD risk during wheelchair transfers. The findings provide practical guidance for hospital administrators, policymakers, and experts seeking suitable devices to prevent WMSDs in nursing professionals. Practitioner Summary: This study investigated the impact of motorised and non-motorised lifting devices on nurses during wheelchair transfers. Findings revealed that motorised devices significantly reduce biomechanical stress, while non-motorised devices showed limited effectiveness. The research emphasises the superior role of motorised devices in preventing WMSDs during wheelchair transfers among nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Shuhaidatul Sarmiza Abdul Halim
- Neurorehabilitation Engineering and Assistance Systems Research (NEAR), School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Malaysia
| | - Zaidi Mohd Ripin
- Neurorehabilitation Engineering and Assistance Systems Research (NEAR), School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Malaysia
| | - Azlina Yusuf
- Exercise & Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Ikhwan Zaini Ridzwan
- Neurorehabilitation Engineering and Assistance Systems Research (NEAR), School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Malaysia
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Wiggermann N, Francis R, Solomon A. Individual and organizational factors associated with injury history and patient handling behaviors: Results from a nationwide survey of healthcare workers. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 118:104251. [PMID: 38417228 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
With proper compliance, safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). To better understand individual, environmental, and organizational factors associated with both the adoption of SPHM and prevalence of MSDs, a nationwide online survey was administered. 973 healthcare workers (HCWs) completed the survey, for which 59.6% reported past work-related MSDs or pain. Among those with pain or injury, 33.3% changed roles, 79.7% worked while injured, and only 30.9% reported workers' compensation claims. Less than half of HCWs agreed that SPHM equipment is readily available, and most considered manually handling patients weighing over 91 kg acceptable. Equipment availability, ceiling lift availability, supervisor encouragement, and annual training were associated with increased use of SPHM equipment. Availability of SPHM equipment reduced the likelihood of injured nurses changing roles. Despite overall agreement that SPHM programs are beneficial, common clinical practice remains insufficient to adequately protect HCWs from risk of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Francis
- American Nurses Association, 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Aieda Solomon
- American Nurses Association, 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
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Suzuki G, Kanayama H, Arai Y, Iwanami Y, Kobori T, Masuyama Y, Yamamoto S, Serizawa H, Nakamichi Y, Watanabe M, Honda M, Okuni I. Early Mobilization Using a Mobile Patient Lift in the ICU: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Crit Care Med 2024; 52:920-929. [PMID: 38317369 PMCID: PMC11093479 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000006219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To ascertain whether a mobile patient lift facilitates early mobilization in ventilated ICU patients. DESIGN A single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial. SETTING An academic ICU in Tokyo. PATIENTS Eighty patients were admitted to ICU and expected ventilation for at least 48 hours. INTERVENTIONS In the intervention group, in addition to the rehabilitation protocol received by the control group, patients were assisted in sitting, standing, transfers, and walking using the mobile patient lift. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The intervention group predominantly stood faster than the control group (1.0 vs. 3.0 d, p < 0.01). The Intervention group also had significantly higher Functional Status Score-ICU scores at ICU discharge. However, the Medical Research Council score and Barthel index at discharge, length of ICU stay, and number of ventilator-free days did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The use of mobile patient lifts facilitates the earlier standing of patients on ventilators. This may contribute to patients improved physical function in the ICU. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study protocol was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) under the registration number UMIN000044965. Registered July 30, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginga Suzuki
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Kanayama
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Arai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Iwanami
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshimitsu Kobori
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Masuyama
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saki Yamamoto
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hibiki Serizawa
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Nakamichi
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Watanabe
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Honda
- Critical Care Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuko Okuni
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Omori Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Muthelo L, Sinyegwe NF, Phukubye TA, Mbombi MO, Ntho TA, Mothiba TM. Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Its Effects amongst Nurses in the Selected Intellectual Disability Unit of the Limpopo Province. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11050777. [PMID: 36900781 PMCID: PMC10000717 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11050777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continuously highlights the need for occupational health and safety among healthcare professionals. Physical and mental health safety resulting from needle prick injuries, stress, infections, and chemical hazards are priority work-related musculoskeletal disorders for nurses, including those working in the intellectual disability unit. The intellectual disability unit provides basic nursing care to patients with known mental disabilities, such as learning, problem-solving, and judgment problems, which demand diverse physical activities. Nevertheless, the safety of nurses within the unit receives little attention. Thus, we adopted a quantitative cross-sectional epidemiological survey design to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst nurses working in the intellectual disability unit at the selected hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire collected data from 69 randomly selected nurses from the intellectual disability unit. Data were extracted, coded, and captured in MS Excel format (2016) and imported into the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), software version 25.0, for analysis. The study reported a low (38%) prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the intellectual disability unit, with significant effects on nursing care and staffing. The effects of these WMSDs included missing work, interference with the daily routine, disturbance with sleeping patterns after work, and absenteeism from work. Since intellectually disabled patients depend entirely on nurses for the basic activities of daily living, this paper recommends the incorporation of physiotherapy among nurses in the intellectual disability unit to treat the incidence of lower back pain while mitigating nurses missing work or absenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livhuwani Muthelo
- Department of Nursing, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
| | - Nakisani Faith Sinyegwe
- Department of Nursing, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
| | - Thabo Arthur Phukubye
- Department of Nursing, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
| | - Masenyani Oupa Mbombi
- Department of Nursing, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
| | - Tshepo Albert Ntho
- Department of Nursing, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Tebogo Maria Mothiba
- Faculty of Health Science Executive Dean’s Office, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
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Ziam S, Lakhal S, Laroche E, Lane J, Alderson M, Gagné C. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention practices by nurses working in health care settings: Facilitators and barriers to implementation. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 106:103895. [PMID: 36087540 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the healthcare professional population is concerning. In particular, the high incidence of back injuries is an issue for nurses. Although many MSD prevention initiatives are being implemented, these practices are not succeeding in reducing MSDs. Why are these efforts struggling to close the gap between knowledge and practice? This article aims to report on individual and organizational factors that may influence nurses' implementation of MSD prevention practices. A survey was sent to nurses in the Quebec health and social services network. A total of 399 questionnaires were completed and analyzed. The results revealed that nurses have the required knowledge on MSD prevention practices, but have difficulty applying them in their professional context. It would appear that successful implementation of MSD prevention practices relies mainly on organizational factors, including management support, organizational culture, feedback mechanisms, and training that is adapted to the work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saliha Ziam
- TELUQ University, 5800 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec, H2S 3L4, Canada.
| | - Sawsen Lakhal
- Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Elena Laroche
- Université Laval, 2325 rue de la Terrasse, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Julie Lane
- Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie Alderson
- Université de Montréal, C.P.6205 succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3T5, Canada
| | - Charles Gagné
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505 boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3A 3C2, Canada
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Abdul Halim NSS, Ripin ZM, Zaini Ridzwan MI. The effects of patient transfer devices on the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs): a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:494-514. [PMID: 35306979 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2055908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of patient transfer assistive devices in reducing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among nurses. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify studies with a quantitative assessment of the efficacy of patient transfer assistive devices on the incidence and injury claims of WMSDs as compared to the manual lifting of patients. A health impact analysis of the pre-post intervention of assistive device implementation was performed. The percentage of the reduction of forces, incidence of WMSDs, number of missed workdays and injury compensation claims were calculated, pooled and presented as boxplots. Results. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The best post-intervention outcomes of assistive devices deployment in the healthcare setting included a reduction in WMSD incidence by 59.8%, missed workdays by 90.0% and workers' compensation claims by 95.0%. Additionally, hand force declined by 71% (p < 0.05) and 70% (p < 0.05) with the use of air-assisted devices and ceiling lifts respectively. Conclusions. Overall, the evidence suggests that patient transfer assistive devices, notably ceiling lifts and air-assisted devices, are effective in reducing the risk of WMSDs among nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zaidi Mohd Ripin
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Ikhwan Zaini Ridzwan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
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Suzuki G, Kanayama H, Ichibayashi R, Arai Y, Iwanami Y, Masuyama Y, Yamamoto S, Serizawa H, Nakamichi Y, Watanabe M, Honda M, Ebihara S. Early mobilisation using a mobile patient lift in the intensive care unit: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057942. [PMID: 35264368 PMCID: PMC8915332 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is important to prevent the deterioration of activities of daily living to improve the long-term prognoses of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patients' conditions, along with the lack of human and technical resources, often become barriers to achieving early mobilisation after the introduction of mechanical ventilation. We plan to verify the usefulness of a mobile patient lift for early mobilisation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a single-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. The inclusion criteria are as follows: age ≥18 years, independent walking before admission and expected mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. The participants will be randomly divided into groups with (intervention group) or without (control group) a mobile lift protocol. A mobile lift will be used in the intervention group. The primary endpoint will be the number of days required to achieve an ICU mobility scale of ≥4 (standing position). The results of the two groups will be analysed using the Student's t-test. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and with the approval of the Toho University Omori Medical Center Ethics Committee (approval number M20259). The results of this study will be presented internationally at academic conferences and published in the literature. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER UMIN000044965.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginga Suzuki
- Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Yuji Iwanami
- Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
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Lee SJ, Stock L, Michalchuk V, Adesoye K, Mullen K. Impact of California Safe Patient Handling Legislation: Health Care Workers' Perspectives. Workplace Health Saf 2021; 69:124-133. [PMID: 33522462 DOI: 10.1177/2165079920975388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal injuries from patient handling are significant problems among health care workers. In California, legislation requiring hospitals to implement safe patient handling (SPH) programs was enacted in 2011. This qualitative study explored workers' experiences and perceptions about the law, their hospital's SPH policies and programs, patient handling practices, and work environment. METHODS Three focus groups were conducted with 21 participants (19 nurses and 2 patient handling specialists) recruited from 12 hospitals located in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS Multiple themes emerged from diverse experiences and perceptions. Positive perceptions included empowerment to advocate for safety, increased awareness of SPH policies and programs, increased provision of patient handling equipment and training, increased lift use, and improvement in safety culture. Perceived concerns included continuing barriers to safe practices and lift use such as difficulty securing assistance, limited availability of lift teams, understaffing, limited nursing employee input in the safety committee, blaming of individuals for injury, increased workload, and continuing injury concerns. Participants indicated the need for effective training, sufficient staffing, and management support for injured workers. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE This study identified improvements in hospitals' SPH programs and practices since the passage of California's SPH law, as well as continuing challenges and barriers to safe practices and injury prevention. The findings provide useful information to understanding the positive impacts of the SPH law but also notes the potential limitations of this legislation in the view of health care workers.
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Lee SJ, Kang KJ, Lee JH. Safe patient handling legislation and changes in programs, practices, perceptions, and experience of musculoskeletal disorders by hospital characteristics: A repeated cross-sectional survey study. Int J Nurs Stud 2020; 113:103791. [PMID: 33152606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safe patient handling legislation has been enacted in 11 states in the United States to protect healthcare workers from patient handing injuries. Implementations and outcomes may vary across hospitals by the characteristics of the institution. OBJECTIVES This study was to investigate the changes in safe patient handling programs in hospitals, and nurses' perceptions, work practices, and musculoskeletal symptoms by hospital characteristics after the passage of California's safe patient handling legislation. DESIGN Repeated cross-sectional surveys. SETTINGS Two statewide surveys of registered nurses were conducted in California, where a safe patient handling law became effective in 2012. Random samples were selected from the lists of the California Board of Registered Nurses (2000 nurses in 2013 and 3000 nurses in 2016). PARTICIPANTS Among survey respondents (26% in 2013 and 20% in 2016), the study sample included 254 nurses in 2013 and 281 nurses in 2016, who met the eligibility for this study: nurses employed in a hospital and had direct patient care or patient handling duties. METHODS Data were collected by postal and on-line surveys. Data were compared by hospital size, geographic area, hospital teaching status, and ownership (for-profit, non-profit, government). RESULTS Between 2013 and 2016, nurses' reports showed improvements in safe patient handling policies and programs across the different characteristics of hospitals. In 2016, nurses in large, teaching, non-profit, and rural hospitals reported slightly better scores for safe patient handling program variables than their counterparts; however, changes in the use of mechanical lifting devices and experiences of musculoskeletal symptoms and injury were not significantly different by hospital characteristics. Overall, teaching hospitals consistently showed greater improvements than non-teaching hospitals for both hospital-level (safe patient handling programs and organizational practices) and individual-level (perceptions and symptoms) variables. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate overall improvements of safe patient handling programs in California hospitals after the passage of safe patient handling legislation. Positive changes appear to be greater among teaching, non-profit, and rural hospitals. However, greater positive changes in safe patient handling programs shown in certain hospital characteristics were not necessarily linked to more improvements in nurses' safe work practices and experiences of musculoskeletal symptoms or injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Jeong Lee
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, 2 Koret Way, Suite N-505, Box 0608, San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, USA.
| | - Kyung Ja Kang
- College of Nursing, Jeju National University, 102 Jeju-daehakno, Jeju-city, Jeju 63243, South Korea.
| | - Joung Hee Lee
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, 2 Koret Way, Suite N-505, Box 0608, San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, USA; Department of Nursing, Chodang University, 380 Muanro, Muaneup, Muangun, Jeollanamdo 58530, South Korea.
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Al-Qaisi SK, El Tannir A, Younan LA, Kaddoum RN. An ergonomic assessment of using laterally-tilting operating room tables and friction reducing devices for patient lateral transfers. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 87:103122. [PMID: 32501251 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Patient lateral transfers between two adjacent surfaces pose high musculoskeletal disorder risks for nurses and patient handlers. The purpose of this research was to examine the ergonomic benefits of utilizing the laterally-tilting function of operating room (OR) tables during such transfers - along with different friction-reducing devices (FRD). This method allows the patient to slide down to the adjacent surface as one nurse guides the transfer and another controls the OR table angle with a remote control. Sixteen nursing students and sixteen college students were recruited to act as nurses and patients, respectively. Two OR table angles were examined: flat and tilted. Three FRD conditions were considered: a standard blanket sheet, a plastic bag, and a slide board. Electromyography (EMG) activities were measured bilaterally from the posterior deltoids, upper trapezii, latissimus dorsi, and lumbar erector spinae muscles. The Borg-CR10 scale was used for participants to rate their perceived physical exertions. The efficiency of each method was measured using a stopwatch. Results showed that the tilted table technique completely replaced the physical efforts that would have been exerted by the pushing-nurse, in that muscle activation did not increase in the pulling-nurse. On the contrary, EMG activities of the pulling-nurse for most of the muscles significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The subjective Borg-ratings also favored the tilted table with significantly lower ratings. However, the tilted table required on average 7.22 s more than the flat table to complete the transfer (p < 0.05). The slide board and plastic bag were associated with significantly lower Borg-ratings and EMG activities for most muscles than blanket sheet, but they both were not significantly different from each other. However, they each required approximately 5 s more than the blanket sheet method to complete the patient transfer (p < 0.05). By switching from flat + blanket sheet to tilted + slide board, EMG activities in all muscles decreased in the range of 18.4-72.3%, and Borg-ratings decreased from about 4 (somewhat difficult) to 1 (very light). The findings of this study propose simple, readily available ergonomic interventions for performing patient lateral transfers that can have significant implications for nurses' wellbeing and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif K Al-Qaisi
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Adnan El Tannir
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lina A Younan
- Rafic Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roland N Kaddoum
- Department of Anesthesiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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