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The effect of ergonomic interventions in healthcare facilities on musculoskeletal disorders
Author(s) -
Fujishiro Kaori,
Weaver Jean L.,
Heaney Catherine A.,
Hamrick Christopher A.,
Marras William S.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20225
Subject(s) - medicine , psychological intervention , human factors and ergonomics , musculoskeletal disorder , health care , occupational safety and health , purchasing , physical therapy , intervention (counseling) , musculoskeletal injury , poison control , medical emergency , nursing , operations management , alternative medicine , engineering , pathology , economics , economic growth
Background The high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among healthcare workers suggests that the introduction of ergonomic interventions could be beneficial. While laboratory studies have clearly documented the efficacy of ergonomic devices, few studies have examined their effectiveness in the healthcare workplace. Methods This study evaluated a statewide program that provided ergonomic consultation and financial support for purchasing ergonomic devices, which aid in patient handling and lifting. Changes in MSD rates between baseline (1 year pre‐intervention) and post‐intervention (up to 2 years) periods were examined in 100 work units in 86 healthcare facilities. Results The median MSD rate decreased from 12.32 to 6.64 per 200,000 employee‐hours, a decrease greater than the secular trend for the study period (1999–2003). Conclusions This study suggests that ergonomic consultation and financial support for purchasing ergonomic equipment can be an effective intervention to reduce MSDs among healthcare workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 48:338–347, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.