title: Validation of an instrument for patient handling assessment.
abstract: Nursing personnel are at high risk from work-related musculoskeletal disorders, especially back symptoms. Handling patients has been established as one of the factors playing an important role in the etiology of occupational low back pain. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument for patient handling assessment and to determine its validity and reliability. Instrument validity was established based on content and construct validity. Reliability was estimated through homogeneity, stability (test-retest) and equivalence (interrater) tests. Reliability estimated by internal consistency reached a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.81. Pearson's correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was r = 0.92. There was an excellent agreement between observers, according to the k values (Kappa = 0.92). Interobserver (interrater) reliability was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient, reaching an r value of 0.84. The agreement between both observers was also fairly good (Kappa = 0.84). The results of the current study show that the instrument seems to be reliable and valid for patient handling assessment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Cidade Universitária 2Zeferino Vaz", CEP 13083.970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: C A T Cremilde A T
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Radovanovic
authors.forename: N M C Neusa M C
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Alexandre
mesh_terms: D019567:Back Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D001938:Brazil; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004282:Documentation; D006804:Ergonomics; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries; D009740:Nursing Staff; D016272:Occupational Health; D018570:Risk Assessment