Effects of a Multifaceted Minimal-Lift Environment for Nursing Staff: Pilot Results
- 14 November 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Western Journal of Nursing Research
- Vol. 32 (1), 47-63
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945909342878
Abstract
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.Keywords
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