Nurses' expectations, experiences and attitudes towards the intervention of a 'no lifting policy'

The aim of the study was to evaluate expectations and attitudes towards a No Lifting Policy programme, the "No Lift system", among nurses at hospitals where an introduction of the intervention was planned (PreNLS hospitals), and to make a comparison with nurses' experiences and attitudes at one hospital where the intervention had already been implemented (NLS hospital). A cross-sectional study of nurses at two PreNLS hospitals and one NLS hospital was performed. Most nurses at both the PreNLS hospitals and the NLS hospital were positive or very positive to the intervention. The expected and experienced obstacles differed between nurses at the PreNLS hospitals and the NLS hospital; however, there was more agreement concerning benefits. The most frequently expected obstacles at the PreNLS hospitals were organisational issues and obstacles related to the facilities, while most obstacles identified at the NLS hospital concerned specific transfers or were patient-related. A decrease in the number of injuries was the most often considered benefit among most nurses. Nurses at the NLS hospital rated their physical exertion as lower in seven out of nine specific patient transfers compared with nurses at the PreNLS hospitals. They also reported increased well-being at work and an improved ability to manage their daily work. The comprehensive approach and participatory design, including all levels of staff and extensive support from the nurses' own union and management, is probably one important explanation for the positive attitudes and successful introduction of the intervention.