RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Individual and organisational determinants of use of ergonomic devices in healthcare
JF Occupational and Environmental Medicine
JO Occup Environ Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 659
OP 665
DO 10.1136/oem.2010.055939
VO 68
IS 9
A1 Koppelaar, E
A1 Knibbe, J J
A1 Miedema, H S
A1 Burdorf, A
YR 2011
UL http://oem.bmj.com/content/68/9/659.abstract
AB Objective This study aims to identify individual and organisational determinants associated with the use of ergonomic devices during patient handling activities.Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in 19 nursing homes and 19 hospitals. The use of ergonomic devices was assessed through real-time observations in the workplace. Individual barriers to ergonomic device use were identified by structured interviews with nurses and organisational barriers were identified using questionnaires completed by supervisors and managers. Multivariate logistic analysis with generalised estimating equations for repeated measurement was used to estimate determinants of ergonomic device use.Results 247 nurses performed 670 patient handling activities that required the use of an ergonomic device. Ergonomic devices were used 68% of the times they were deemed necessary in nursing homes and 59% in hospitals. Determinants of lifting device use were nurses' motivation (OR 1.96), the presence of back complaints in the past 12 months (OR 1.77) and the inclusion in care protocols of strict guidance on the required use of ergonomic devices (OR 2.49). The organisational factors convenience and easily accessible, management support and supportive management climate were associated with these determinants. No associations were found with other ergonomic devices.Conclusions The use of lifting devices was higher in nursing homes than in hospitals. Individual and organisational factors seem to play a substantial role in the successful implementation of lifting devices in healthcare.