Nurses' awareness of the importance of safeguarding themselves from occupational back injury

Abstract

The aim of this current descriptive, non-experimental study was designed to establish and explore nurses' awareness of the importance of safeguarding themselves from occupational back injury. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected by means of a self administered questionnaire. Questions were based on the literature review to fulfil the aim of the study. A sample of twenty-five nurses working at Zammit Clapp Hospital was selected by means of a random technique. Twenty-two questioners' two of which pilot studies were returned rendering a response rate of eighty-seven percent. An overall view of this study demonstrated that patient handling tasks; lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients seemed to be the primary cause of back injuries among nurses. Results indicated that most of the participants eighty-four percent suffered back pain due to work stress. Tasks, which were typically performed manually without the use of assistive devices, appeared to have become part of a routine that nurses' hardly think about. This study revealed that nurses seem quite informed regarding the lifting and handling factors and characteristics. Findings proved that nurses are not careful enough when handling patients. Many respondents specified that they were competent in manual handling and lifting techniques though, the majority of respondents still used manual techniques regularly. In fact several highlighted the need for more regular education and hands-on lifting and handling sessions. Moreover, the study revealed that not every nurse was aware of all the lifting and handling equipment available on the wards. Most nurses were aware of the predisposing factors which cause back injuries since those were clearly identified by the respondents. A desirable outcome is improvement in work conditions and an increase in the number of nurses. Consistent and valid assessment of patient handling requirements is a prerequisite for identifying hazards and reducing risks associated with patient handling.