Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

Among health care workers, nurses have one of the highest rates of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2018). Studies have identified patient handling in the form of routine bedside care, lifting, repositioning, bedside procedures, and manual transfers to be high-risk tasks associated with this increased incidence (Facility Guidelines Institute, 2010). Evidence supports occupational therapy's role in promoting health through the implementation of programs that support safe engagement in work occupations including injury prevention, ergonomics, and work rehabilitation (Bade & Eckert, 2008). As the population of the U.S. healthcare workforce ages, occupational therapy's distinct role in helping health care workers to stay healthy, injury free, and employed will become increasingly vital. The purpose of this project was to evaluate participants perceptions regarding the effectiveness of an educational Safe Patient Handling Workshop aimed at improving nursing personnel's knowledge regarding work-related musculoskeletal injuries, risk factors, and understanding of safe patient handling practices within a skilled nursing facility. Participants included nursing personnel (N = 12) employed within a skilled nursing facility located in central Virginia. Using a quantitative pre and post-survey design, a safe patient handling workshop was developed and implemented featuring an educational format. Effectiveness of the workshop was evaluated using an original pre and post-survey. Results suggest that an educational workshop may be an effective method for increasing knowledge regarding safe patient handling practices to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries among nursing staff employed within a skilled nursing setting.

Publication Date

Spring 2020

Download

Share

COinS