Nurses' perceptions regarding work related back injury and its consequences

Abstract

Back injury at work is one of the most common causes of incapacity amongst nurses. The purpose of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions regarding back injury and its consequences at the general wards of St Luke's Hospital. The study used an exploratory descriptive research design to determine nurses' views regarding the predisposing factors leading to back injury, identify the available lifting equipment available on the wards and measures viewed by nurses' that minimize and possibly eliminate back injury. Finally, the study looked at the implications of back injury on the nurse and the organization. Data was collected from a proportional stratified sample of nurses (n= 1 00) working in the general wards. A self- administered questionnaire formulated by the researcher was used to collect the data. Validity and reliability testing of the tool were performed. A response rate of 87% was obtained. An interview schedule based on the questionnaire was also utilized to interview 10 ward managers. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis while charts, graphs and tables were used to analyze quantitative data. Findings revealed that back injury is regularly encountered at the nurses' workplace. The predisposing factors viewed by nurses were bad lifting technique, lack of lifting equipment, staff shortage and patient overcrowding. Certain wards do not have any lifting equipment at all. Some of the hospital beds are old and do not have hydraulic facility. Nurses were constantly in a race against time and sometimes exerting themselves to the risk of back injury in order to complete any nursing task In the absence of a ward lifting and handling protocol, nurses viewed the setting up of a policy on lifting and handling as essential. Regular training on back care was also required by nurses. The implications of back injury were primarily viewed as temporary or permanent disability on the nurse. However, the implications on the hospital included loss of nursing experience during the nurse's absence due to the availability of sick leave. Overtime to cover the sick leave absence is also borne by the hospital. The results highlighted several management implications and a number of recommendations were identified. Lifting equipment should be available in each ward. Beds should be preferably electrically operated with height adjustable facility. Continuous training to all nurses, including new recruits will help to lower the incidence of back injury. The results will be beneficial to all nurses' well being, and the hospital will benefit from reduced sick leave availability and compensation claims due to preventable work related back injury.