| Learning Objective #1: Describe the implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based musculoskeletal injury program | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss the effectiveness of a targeted educational program in reducing the incidence and severity of back injuries in healthcare workers |
Objective: This evidence-based initiative consisted of: 1) a baseline assessment of the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal injuries; 2) the identification and implementation of evidence-based injury prevention strategies; and 3) an evaluation of the effectiveness of a targeted intervention to reduce the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal injuries in health care workers. Design: This project involved a detailed secondary analysis of workers compensation reports examining the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in direct care providers in an acute care facility. Following this effort, a multidisciplinary team was formed to implement and evaluate an evidence-based prevention program and determine its effectiveness. Concept or Variables Studied Together: Study variables included clinical situations that place direct care providers at risk; musculoskeletal symptoms; incidence rates, severity, and costs of injury; and the level of provider compliance with the intervention. Methods: A secondary analysis of workers compensation data and a prospective evaluation of the targeted intervention using interval measures of knowledge of prevention strategies and musculoskeletal symptomatology. Findings: The secondary analysis revealed an unacceptable rate of preventable musculoskeletal injuries. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the targeted intervention is ongoing and will be completed by mid-October 2003. Conclusions: Nurses and other health care workers are at increased risk for back and musculoskeletal injuries related to patient movement and handling. This study provides helpful insights as to how a multilevel intervention provided by an interdisciplinary team can be effective in addressing these injuries. Implications: With the ever worsening international nursing shortage, effective interventions to prevent musculoskeletal injuries that result in nurses leaving the profession must be identified. This project begins to address issues such as lifetime prevalence of back injuries among nurses that is reportedly as high as 43%-80%. It is critical to implement strategies that will protect this valuable workforce resource from further exposure and injury.
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