Evidence-based practices for safe patient handling and movement

Audrey Nelson and Andrea S. Baptiste

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Abstract

Efforts to reduce injuries associated with patient handling are often based on tradition and personal experience rather than scientific evidence. The purpose of this article is to summarize current evidence for interventions designed to reduce caregiver injuries, a significant problem for decades. Despite strong evidence, published over three decades, the most commonly used strategies have demonstrated that they are ineffective. There is a growing body of evidence to support newer interventions that are effective or show promise in reducing musculoskeletal pain and injuries in care providers. The authors have organized potential solutions into three established ergonomic solution types: engineering-based, administrative, and behavioral. For each intervention, the level of evidence to support its use is provided.

Key words  Work-related musculoskeletal injuries - patient handling - no-lift policy - ergonomics - lifting techniques - nurse safety

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