Abstract
Introduction: Community nurses are exposed to high physical demands at work resulting in musculoskeletal disorders. The present study examined the short- and long-term benefits of a multifaceted intervention program designed especially for community nurses in Hong Kong. Methods: Fifty community nurses working in 4 local hospitals participated in the study. All of them underwent an 8-week intervention program consisting of ergonomic training, daily exercise program, equipment modification, computer workstation assessment and typing training. Results: All participants showed significant improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms and functional outcomes comparing pre- and post-intervention results. Significant reduction in symptom score was observed at 1-year follow-up compared to post-intervention. Symptomatic group (. n=. 40) showed more significant changes overall compared to asymptomatic group (. n=. 10). Conclusion: Results support the positive benefits, both short- and long-term, of the multifaceted ergonomic intervention programme for community nurses.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 414-422 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Applied Ergonomics |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Ergonomics
- Intervention
- Nurse
- Work-related musculoskeletal disorders
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation