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Development of a Risk Assessment Index System of Non-Specific Neck-Shoulder Pain in Physicians and Nurses: A Delphi
Yunxia Li1, Qi Li2, Lihui Zhang3
1School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Background:
Physicians and nurses experience a high prevalence of non-specific neck-shoulder pain (NNSP) and are exposed to multiple risk factors. However, no targeted tools comprehensively assess these risk factors.
Objective:
This study aimed to develop assessment indicators for evaluating risk factors contributing to NNSP among physicians and nurses.
Design:
A systematic literature review and Delphi method, guided by a theoretical framework, were employed to develop the index system.
Methods:
This study utilized a theoretical framework based on ergonomics and the biopsychosocial pain model to collect multi-source data for developing a risk assessment index system. Initially, candidate indicators were identified through literature reviews, theoretical analysis, expert interviews, and consultations. Three rounds of the e-Delphi technique were conducted to identify indices potentially affecting neck-shoulder pain. Finally, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed to calculate the relative weight of each indicator.
Results:
After two rounds of expert consultation, the risk assessment index system reached a consensus, comprising six first-level indicators: workload factors, individual factors, work facilities and equipment factors, workspace and environment factors, organization management factors, and psychological factors. These were further divided into 14 second-level indicators and 82 third-level indicators. Among these, workload factors had the highest weight (0.2484), while psychological factors had the lowest (0.1019).
Conclusion:
The risk assessment index system achieved expert consensus, confirming its scientific validity and practical applicability. It provides a structured approach to identifying risk factors and high-risk individuals for neck-shoulder pain among physicians and nurses.
