The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49167

Marc Oliver, RN, MPH¹, Patricia Gucer, PhD², and Melissa McDiarmid, MD, MPH². (1) Occupational Health Project, University of Maryland, 405 W. Redwood ST, Second Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-706-7464, moliver@medicine.umaryland.edu, (2) Occupational Health Project Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine, 405 W. Redwood Street 2nd floor, Baltimore, MD 21201

Reductions in the high rates of musculoskeletal injury to nursing staff during patient handling tasks by the use of mechanical lifts has been demonstrated in previous studies. However, work climate and organizational factors may promote or inhibit the injury reduction potential of lift devices. To understand the critical factors, we have developed a questionnaire which measures stress, occupational role performance, safety climate and attitudes toward and the use of mechanical lifts. This survey has been administered previous to and will be given again after the introduction of safe lift equipment. The pre- and post surveys characterize factors at the personal, organizational and logistic levels that we believe are critical to implementing a safe-lift program. These include care giver perceptions about the ease and safety of lift devices, management support and equipment availability. The survey also indicates educational targets for changing attitudes and practices of the nursing staff including mandated use of mechanical lifts for moving residents from off the floor. The post -intervention survey will allow us to evaluate the extent to which stress levels, safety climate and changes in equipment use practices explain the success or failure of the intervention.

Learning Objectives: On completion of the session, attendees will be able to

• describe pre-intervention relationships between caregiver stress, injuries and safe lifting practices
• discuss how reduced stress can be a marker for improved work organization and reduced injuries.

Keywords: Health Care Workers, Occupational Health Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.