Table 4

Characteristics of the observed patient handling activities requiring use of an ergonomic device and actual ergonomic device use in nursing homes and hospitals

Nursing homes (n=19)Hospitals (n=19)
DevicesNnDevice usedNnDevice used
TransferLifting devices101145105 (72%)718034 (43%)
Personal care of patients (A)Adjustable bed628173 (90%)828679 (92%)
Personal care of patients (B)Adjustable shower chair262815 (54%)330 (0%)
Repositioning patients in bed (A)Slide sheet688813 (15%)10711914 (12%)
Repositioning patients in bed (B)Adjustable bed688875 (85%)107119101 (85%)
Putting on and taking off anti-embolism stockingsCompression stocking slide202816 (57%)12125 (42%)
Total110370253 (68%)137300176 (59%)
  • N, number of nurses; n, number of observations where use of an ergonomic device was required according to workplace guidelines.