RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the perceived physical stress felt by subjects (nursing and other hospital personnel), time spent, number of personnel required, and patient comfort using various methods to transfer patients laterally in the supine position. DESIGN: Descriptive comparative design. SAMPLE: One hundred ninety-two transfer ratings (132 using manual methods and 60 using a mechanical device) were compared. Thirty-two transfers (18 manual and 14 mechanical device) were timed, and 39 patients (12 having manual transfer and 27 with a mechanical device) provided comfort ratings. FINDINGS: Perceived exertion was significantly less for subjects performing lateral transfers with a mechanical device than with manual methods. Fewer personnel were needed for transfers with mechanical devices. Approximately 5 minutes less per transfer was needed when using mechanical devices, and patients felt significantly more comfortable and secure when a mechanical transfer device was used. DISCUSSION: The use of a mechanical device for transfer provided lower exertion ratings, used less personnel and time, and was more comfortable for patients. There are barriers to use, however, because of resistance to change, perceived increase in time needed for transfer, and the limitation of storing and retrieving the devices. Provision of equipment does not ensure use; institution of teaching and no-lift policies can facilitate use of lifting/transferring equipment.
Assuntos
Equipamentos e Provisões Hospitalares/normas , Remoção , Transporte de Pacientes/métodos , Ar , Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Fenômenos Biomecânicos , Peso Corporal , Pesquisa em Enfermagem Clínica , Desenho de Equipamento , Ergonomia , Humanos , Remoção/efeitos adversos , Pesquisa em Avaliação de Enfermagem , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar/psicologia , Dor/etiologia , Dor/psicologia , Esforço Físico , Estresse Fisiológico/etiologia , Estresse Fisiológico/psicologia , Decúbito Dorsal , Análise e Desempenho de Tarefas , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Although back injuries are a significant problem in home care, limited information exists regarding which tasks are stressful and how stress can be reduced. This study describes home health aides' perceived stressfulness to the back and provides ideas all home care workers can use to decrease back stress.
Assuntos
Lesões nas Costas/prevenção & controle , Enfermagem em Saúde Comunitária/métodos , Serviços de Assistência Domiciliar/normas , Visitadores Domiciliares , Doenças Profissionais/prevenção & controle , Saúde Ocupacional , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Lesões nas Costas/etiologia , Coleta de Dados , Feminino , Humanos , Remoção/efeitos adversos , Dor Lombar/prevenção & controle , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Doenças Profissionais/etiologia , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Tecnologia Assistiva/estatística & dados numéricos , Estresse Mecânico , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of an ergonomic program on perceived stress ratings, injury rates and patient care. After implementation of the ergonomic program, the perceived stress ratings by nursing staff were lower than those ratings at the control hospital and the patients felt more comfortable and secure during patient handling tasks than the patients at the control hospital. Eighteen months after ergonomic interventions, the back and shoulder injuries were reduced, and the lost workdays and restricted/transitional days were decreased. Five years after the implementation, the back and shoulder injuries continued to decrease as well as the lost workdays and restricted days. At the control hospital, the back and shoulder injury rates, the lost workdays, and the restricted days remained stable throughout the study period.
