A cross-sectional survey of physical workload and assistive device use among nurses: Barriers, perceptions, and...

Nurses experience substantial physical demands that increase their risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Assistive devices may mitigate this risk, yet their use remains inconsistent. This cross-sectional study examined physical workload and assistive device utilization among nurses. A total of 456 licensed nursing professionals in Florida who provide direct patient care were included. Participants reported moderate to high physical workload. Among the 390 participants with frequency-of-use data, 51.0% (n=199) reported frequent assistive device use. Frequent assistive device use was more common among nurses with higher physical workload. Each 10-point increase in physical workload was associated with 22% higher odds of frequent assistive device use, after adjusting for demographic and employment characteristics. Common barriers to the use of assistive devices included limited availability, time constraints, and patient discomfort. Participants expressed interest in lightweight, easy-to-use, patient-friendly devices. These findings underscore the need for organizational strategies and user-centered design to support the adoption of assistive technologies and reduce occupational injury risk among nurses.