University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 784, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA.
Hum Factors. 2012 Aug;54(4):608-25. doi: 10.1177/0018720812438614.
The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term efficacy of an ergonomics program that included patient-handling devices in six long-term care facilities (LTC) and one chronic care hospital (CCH).
Patient handling is recognized as a major source of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among nursing personnel, and several studies have demonstrated effectiveness of patient-handling devices in reducing those MSDs. However, most studies have been conducted in a single facility, for a short period, and/or without a comprehensive ergonomics program.
Patient-handling devices along with a comprehensive ergonomics program was implemented in six LTC facilities and one CCH. Pre- and postintervention injury data were collected for 38.9 months (range = 29 to 54 months) and 51.2 months (range = 36 to 60 months), respectively.
Postintervention patient-handling injuries decreased by 59.8% (rate ratio [RR] = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.28, 0.49], p < .001), lost workdays by 86.7% (RR = 0.16, 95% CI [0.13, 0.18], p < .001), modified-duty days by 78.8% (RR = 0.25, 95% CI [0.22, 0.28], p < .001), and workers' compensation costs by 90.6% (RR = 0.12, 95% CI [0.09, 0.15], p < .001). Perceived stresses to low back and shoulders among nursing staff were fairly low. A vast majority of patients found the devices comfortable and safe. Longer transfer times with the use of devices was not an issue.
Implementation of patient-handling devices along with a comprehensive program can be effective in reducing MSDs among nursing personnel. Strategies to expand usage of patient-handling devices in most health care settings should be explored.
本研究旨在评估一项在六家长期护理机构（LTC）和一家慢性病医院（CCH）中实施的包含患者搬运设备的人体工程学计划的长期效果。
患者搬运被认为是护理人员肌肉骨骼疾病（MSD）的主要来源，多项研究已经证明患者搬运设备在减少这些 MSD 方面的有效性。然而，大多数研究都是在单一机构中进行的，时间较短，且/或没有全面的人体工程学计划。
在六家长期护理机构和一家慢性病医院中实施了患者搬运设备以及全面的人体工程学计划。分别在干预前（29 至 54 个月）和干预后（36 至 60 个月）收集了受伤数据。
干预后，患者搬运相关损伤减少了 59.8%（发生率比 [RR] = 0.36，95%置信区间 [CI] [0.28, 0.49]，p <.001），缺勤工作日减少了 86.7%（RR = 0.16，95% CI [0.13, 0.18]，p <.001），调岗工作日减少了 78.8%（RR = 0.25，95% CI [0.22, 0.28]，p <.001），以及工人赔偿金减少了 90.6%（RR = 0.12，95% CI [0.09, 0.15]，p <.001）。护理人员对腰背和肩部的感知压力相当低。绝大多数患者发现设备既舒适又安全。使用设备进行的搬运时间延长并不是问题。
在全面计划中实施患者搬运设备可有效减少护理人员的 MSD。应探索在大多数医疗保健环境中扩大患者搬运设备使用的策略。
