Individual and organizational factors associated with injury history and patient handling behaviors: Results from a nationwide survey of healthcare workers

Wiggermann, Neal; Francis, Ruth; Solomon, Aieda

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104251

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Risk assessment with the TilThermometer may help to identify the connection between the patients’ functional ability in relation to the use of the proper assistive device. Findings from previous research shows that the availability of equipment, annual training and supervisor encouragement is associated with increased use of equipment by HCWs [ 10 ]. This study shows that the TilThermometer can be used at Swedish care units to map HCWs’ use of available assistive devices and equipment in various PHM situations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The WMSDs are primarily caused by the performance of work tasks and they encompass a range of soft-tissue injuries affecting muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and bones in the upper and lower limbs, neck, and lower back resulting in disability and pain, whether localised or widespread [ 5 , 6 ]. Primarily nurses, but also other HCWs are affected by WMSDs [ 3 , 7 – 10 ]. The causes of WMSDs are multifactorial, including aspects of the work environment that involve physical workload, organizational and psychosocial factors, as well as individual factors [ 1 , 4 , 8 , 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Risk assessment of healthcare workers’ exposure to physical load in relation to patient handling and movement: a feasibility study of the instrument TilThermometer

Wåhlin,

Buck,

Enthoven

et al. 2024

BMC Musculoskelet Disord

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Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common among healthcare workers (HCWs) but might be prevented by risk assessment and further promotion of occupational safety and health. The aim of this study was to investigate if the risk assessment instrument TilThermometer can be used to identify risk profiles of physical exposure in HCWs working with patient handling and movement (PHM). Further aims were to describe HCWs’ perceptions and experiences of using the TilThermometer. Methods This feasibility study has a mixed design methodology. In total, 54 HCWs from 17 Swedish care units participated and performed risk assessments with the TilThermometer. Data collected from the risk assessments were used to identify risk profiles of physical exposure. HCWs’ experiences of using the TilThermometer were collected from activity logs and analysed qualitatively. Three questionnaires were used to assess perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the risk assessment, and eight study specific questions were used for perceived usefulness. Results The TilThermometer was used at the care units by assessing each care recipient, and when compiling the data at a group level, a summarized risk profile for the care unit could be provided. Risk for physical exposure was reported as high in two work tasks; no care unit used the high-low adjustable seat when showering care recipients sitting down, and 13% used the recommended assistive devices when putting compression stockings on. However, 99% used high-low adjustable assistive devices when caring and bathing care recipients lying down. TilThermometer was described as easy to use, enabling team reflections and providing an overview of the care units’ recipients and workload, but difficulties in categorizing for mobility groups were also reported. The TilThermometer was, on a five-point scale, perceived as acceptable (mean 3.93), appropriate (mean 3.9), and feasible (mean 3.97). These scores are in line with questions evaluating usefulness. Conclusion The risk assessment provided risk profiles with potential to contribute to care units’ development of a safe patient handling and movement practice. The findings suggest that the TilThermometer can be used to assess risks for physical exposure in relation to patient handling and movement in care units at hospital and nursing homes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%