Effects of a multifaceted minimal-lift environment for nursing staff: pilot results.
Nursing staff are at risk for musculoskeletal injuries because of the physical nature of patient handling. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a multifaceted minimal-lift environment on reported equipment use, musculoskeletal injury rates, and workers' compensation costs for patient-handling injuries. The pilot study consists of a mixed measures design, with both descriptive and quasi-experimental design elements. The intervention consists of engineering (minimal-lift equipment), administrative (nursing policy), and behavioral (peer coach program) controls. The comparison nursing unit has received engineering controls only. The convenience sample includes nursing staff employed on two medical-surgical nursing units, who provide direct patient care at least 50% of the time. Nursing staff employed in a multifaceted lift environment report greater lift equipment use and experience less injury, with reduced worker's compensation costs.
Zadvinskis
Inga M
IM
Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA. izadvins@ohiohealth.com
Salsbury
Susan L
SL
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055805:Moving and Lifting Patients / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000451:nursing*; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000191:economics