Healthcare Workers and Manual Patient Handling: A Pilot Study for Interdisciplinary Training

Abstract

<jats:p>Manual patient handling (MPH) is a major occupational risk in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to propose an MPH training model involving interdisciplinary aspects. A scheduled training program was performed with 60 healthcare workers (HCWs) from a hospital in Naples, Italy, providing training divided into three sections (occupational health—section one; physical therapy—section two; psychosocial section—section three) and lasting six hours. Fifty-two HCWs performed the training session. In section one, a questionnaire about risk perception related to specific working tasks was administered. Section two provided specific exercises for the postural discharge of the anatomical areas most involved in MPH. The last section provided teamwork consolidation through a role-playing exercise. The training program could also be useful for risk assessment itself, as they can examine the perceptions of the specific risk of the various workers and incorrect attitudes and therefore correct any incorrect procedures, reducing exposure to specific risks in the field. This pilot study proposes a training model that explores all aspects related to MPH risk exposure and also underlines the need for standardization of this formative model, which could represent a useful tool for studying the real effectiveness of training in workplaces.</jats:p>

Efficacy of Interventions in Reducing the Risks of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Very often, poor knowledge among healthcare workers on correct manual handling or the use of aids and procedures predisposes their musculoskeletal system to lifting trauma. Garzillo et al (2020) noted that healthcare workers who have received inadequate training were at a greater risk of developing WMSDs. Knowledge and information on safe patient handling should be communicated in a timely manner and updated regularly.…”

“…This is in line with previous studies in which healthcare professionals who received intervention managed to improve their postures and performed less biomechanical mistakes compared with the control group that received no intervention (Aslam et al, 2015). An individually customized education and training program is considered the primary level of prevention because it strengthens healthcare workers’ awareness of safe patient-handling procedures and enables them to develop proper handling techniques and skills (Garzillo et al, 2020).…”

Assessing Risks Awareness in Operating Rooms among Post-Graduate Students: A Pilot Study

“…In the authors' view, the prevention and reduction in risks should use methodologies and a range of interdisciplinary actions, globally evaluating the work environment and aspects of work processes [53]. By highlighting the risk perception related to a single biomechanical overload task, it might be possible to lead a risk assessment review and modify some incorrect attitudes [54].…”

An exploration of movement and handling by physiotherapists in a rehabilitation setting: A motion analysis study

“…However, there is uncertainty around the accuracy of physiotherapists reporting WRMSD. Introduction 6 capacity assessments; manual handling training; and risk assessments (Garzillo et al 2020;Passier and McPhail 2011). Physiotherapists can reduce their risk of injury by adopting comfortable positions, modifying their work, and adjusting the height of beds or plinths (Karanikas and Jani 2022;Faizan et al 2019).…”