Do electric patient beds reduce the risk of lower back disorders in nurses?

The aim of this study was to compare the probability estimates of lower back disorder (LBD) for a nurse performing a range of simulated patient care activities involving manual and electric patient beds. Studies of simulated patient care involving patient beds were undertaken using electrically powered and manually operated patient beds. The estimated probabilities of back injury, as calculated by the Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM), between the two beds were compared statistically. A statistically significant reduction in LBD probability was observed in those functions that were completely achieved by the electrical mechanism. No significant difference in risk was observed in the patient care activities involving manipulating the patient in and around the bed that are more typical of 'heavy' orthopaedic nursing care in a busy acute ward environment. A potential for increased patient independence was observed during this trial. The LMM recorded no real risk reduction between situations involving electric or manual patient beds in those actions typically required of nurses in an acute orthopaedic ward caring for a disabled patient.