title: Training in safer and healthier patient handling techniques.
abstract: The aim of the project was to educate nursing staff on patient handling techniques to prevent low back pain. Within the framework of a multidisciplinary preventive intervention, a pre-post study design was implemented in a hospital. One hundred and forty nurses and healthcare assistants attended a two-hour lesson and a three-hour practical training session; 48 nurses attended a train-the-trainer programme that was comprised of three-hour classes, two-hour lessons on communication techniques and four hours of practical training. Improvements were tested using questionnaires and direct observations. A statistically significant improvement was noted in questionnaire scores (p<0.001) and handling techniques (p<0.001); use of equipment and low back symptoms improved remarkably. The train-the-trainer programme improved knowledge, communication skills and ability to evaluate manual handling techniques; this allowed the education programme in patient-handling techniques to be extended to all healthcare workers. This approach was effective in increasing the knowledge, practical abilities and communication skills of the workforce. It also allowed a network of internal trainer nurses to be set up, who enabled the implementation of safer and healthier working techniques in nursing staff.
authors.affiliation: University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carta
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Parmigiani
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roversi
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rossato
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Milini
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parrinello
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Apostoli
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Alessio
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Porru
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D055815:Young Adult