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Work-related upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders in midwives, nurses and physicians: A systematic review of risk
Maryann H Long1, Venerina Johnston, Fiona Bogossian
1The University of Queensland, School of Nursing and Midwifery, 125A Russell Tce, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia. maryann.long@gmail.com
Background:
Given a worldwide shortage of primary health care workers predicted to worsen, it is vital to address sources of attrition among these professionals. One such source may be work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We aimed to identify risk factors for and functional consequences of work-related upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders in midwives, nurses and physicians.
Methods:
Eighteen of 87 studies identified from an electronic database search met the inclusion and quality criteria.
Results:
Job demands, demanding work schedules and physical exposures have the strongest associations with work-related upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders. Functional consequences included widespread use of prescription and over-the-counter medications and major negative impact on activities of daily living. No studies of midwives were located.
Conclusion:
High-quality studies of midwives as well as better-designed prospective studies of nurses and physicians are needed. Results of such studies could inform preventive strategies and reduce the contribution of work-related musculoskeletal disorders to attrition.
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