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Lifting patients in bed with and without a drawsheet: a comparative ergonomics study
P C Lundberg1, P Wiwatjesadawout
1Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Döbelngsgatan 2, SE-752 37 Uppsala, Sweden.
Journal of Human Ergology
|October 3, 2001
Summary
Using a drawsheet when lifting patients in bed significantly reduces nurses' back strength loss and fatigue. This ergonomic technique is recommended for nursing personnel to improve safety and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Nursing Ergonomics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Patient lifting is a common task for nurses.
- Manual handling techniques can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
- Ergonomic assessments are crucial for optimizing healthcare practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the ergonomic effects of two patient lifting techniques: with and without a drawsheet.
- To evaluate the impact of lifting methods on nurses' back strength, fatigue, and pain.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 42 nurses at a Thai university hospital.
- Measurement of back strength before and after lifting using both techniques.
- Administration of questionnaires to assess subjective feelings of fatigue and musculoskeletal pain.
Main Results:
- Both lifting techniques resulted in significant decreases in back strength.
- A smaller decrease in back strength was observed 10 minutes after lifting with a drawsheet (98% confidence).
- Lifting with a drawsheet led to lower reported increases in fatigue and reduced incidence of musculoskeletal pain immediately after the task.
Conclusions:
- The drawsheet technique is ergonomically superior for lifting patients in bed.
- Implementing drawsheet use can mitigate negative physiological effects on nursing personnel.
- This method is recommended to enhance safety and reduce the risk of injury among nurses.