Development and Feasibility Testing of a Contextual Patient Movement Intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Nurses and emergency medical services workers frequently suffer musculoskeletal injuries at a disproportionate rate in relation to the rest of the population. The most common form of this musculoskeletal injury is lumbar spine injury. The purpose of this study was to develop and conduct phase 1 feasibility testing of a contextual lifting intervention that reduces the risks of low back injury. METHODS: This study was an intervention development and phase 1 feasibility test. The intervention was created on the basis of weightlifting techniques to specifically reduce the incidence injury related to valgus knee, asymmetrical lifting technique, and rotation of the trunk and pelvis. Motion capture technology (Xsens; Xsens Technologies) was used while 17 nursing students completed the direct patient lift from the floor, the lift from the floor with a manikin attached to a rigid spine board, the push portion of the horizontal transfer, and the pull portion of the horizontal transfer. Pre- and postintervention data were collected. Linear mixed model regression, with pairwise comparisons, was conducted for each lift at the time points of preintervention, immediately after the intervention, and 1-month postintervention. RESULTS: Significant changes were noted between the initial lifting techniques used and those used after the intervention. The maximum lever arm distance, defined as the distance from L5-S1 to the center of the force applied to the load, showed a significant reduction after the intervention in 3 of the 4 movements. DISCUSSION: Our results support the idea that injury risk can be reduced through appropriate contextual training methods.

Occupational health nurses--the solution to absence management?

Business and industry are currently focused on increasing employee productivity, reducing employee injuries and lost work time, and minimizing costs. Absence from work due to either injury or health-related leave negatively affects both direct and indirect costs. Absenteeism, regardless of reason, negatively impacts company profit. To decrease the multiple costs of unplanned absences, the occupational health nurse can collaborate with Human Resources professionals and management to create cost-saving short- and long-term disability programs, manage Family and Medical Leave Act programs, and case manage the care of all employees with workers' compensation claims.