Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Evidence-based practices for safe patient handling and movement

  • Promoting Bone Health: A Nursing Perspective
  • Published:
Clinical Reviews in Bone and Mineral Metabolism Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aird J.W., Nyran P., & Roberts G. (1988). Comprehensive back injury program: An ergonomics approach for controlling back injuries in healthcare facilities. In: F. Aghandeh (Ed.), Trends in ergonomics/human factors V. Amsterdam: Elselvier (North Holland Division).

    Google Scholar 

  • Alexander, A., Woolley, S.M., & Bisesi, M. (1995). The effectiveness of back belts on occupational back injuries and worker perception. Professional Safety, 10, 22–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • American Nurses Association (ANA). (2003). Position Statement on Elimination of Manual Patient Handling to Prevent Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Retrieved July 20, 2004, from the world wide web at: www.nursingworld.org/readroom/position/workplac/pathand.pdf

  • Anderson, J. (1980). Back pain and occupation. In: M.I.V. Jayson (Ed.), The lumbar spine and back pain (2nd ed.). London: Pitman Medical Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballard, J. (1994, November/December). District nurses—who's looking after them? Occupational Health Review, pp. 10–16.

  • Bell, F. (1984). Patient lifting devices in hospitals. London: Croom Helm.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, F. (1987). Ergonomic aspects of equipment. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 24:331–337.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bell, F., Dalgity, M., Fennell, M., & Aitken, R. (1979). Hospital ward patient-lifting tasks. Ergonomics, 22(11):1257–1273.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bewick, N., & Gardner, D. (2000). Manual handling injuries in health care workers. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 6:209–221.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Billin, S.L. (1998). Moving and handing practice in neurodisability nursing. British Journal of Nursing, 7(10):571–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blue, C.L. (1996). Preventing back injury among nurses. Orthopaedic Nursing, 15:9–22.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bobick, T.G., Beland, J.L., Hsiao, H., & Wassell, J.T. (2001). Physiological effects of back belt wearing during asymmetric lifting. Applied Ergonomics, 32(6):541–547.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bohannon, R. (1999). Horizontal transfers between adjacent surfaces: forces required using different methods. Archive of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, 80:851–853.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bohannon, R., & Grevelding, P. (2001). Reduced push forces accompany device use during transfers of seated subjects. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 38: 135–139.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. (1972). Manual lifting and related fields. An annotated bibliography. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Labor Safety Council of Ontario.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buckle, P. (1987). Epidemiological aspects of back within the nursing profession. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 24(4):319–324.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2002, December 19). Survey of occupational inquiries and illnesses, 2001. U.S. Department of Labor.

  • Caska, B.A., & Patnode, R.E. (2000, September 26). Reducing lower back injuries in VAMC nursing personnel. Research Report No. 94-136 to the Veterans Health Administration.

  • Caska, B.A., Patnode, R.E., & Clickner, D. (1998). Feasibility of nurse staffed lift team. AAOHN Journal, 46(6):283–288.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (1997). Elements of ergonomic programs. Retrieved July 8, 2004, from the world wide web at: www.ede.gov/niosh/third.

  • Charney, W. (1992). The lifting team: Second year data reported (News). AAOHN Journal, 40(10):503.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Charney, W. (1997). The lifting team method for reducing back injuries: A 10 hospital study. AAOHN Journal, 45(6): 300–304.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Charney, W. (2000). Reducing back injury in nursing: A case study using mechanical equipment and a hospital transport team as a lift team. Journal of Healthcare Safety, Complicance, and Infection Control, 4(3):117–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Charney, W., Zimmerman, K., & Walara, E. (1991). The lifting team: A design method to reduce lost time back injury in nursing. AAOHN Journal, 39(5):231–234.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, J.W., Wolf, L., Bell, J., & Evanoff, B. (2004). An evaluation of “Best Practices” musculoskeletal injury prevention program in nursing homes. Injury Prevention, 10:206–211.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, M. (1990). Occupational back pain in nursing. Development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive prevention program. Australia: Worksafe Australia, National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corlett, E.N., Lloyd, P.V., Tarling, C., Troup, J.D.G., & Wright, B. (1993). The guide to handling patients (3rd ed.). London: National Back Pain Association and the Royal College of Nursing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Daltroy, L. (1997). A controlled trial of an educational program to prevent low back injuries. The New England Journal of Medicine, 337:322–328.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, A. (2001). Birth of a lift team: Experience and statistical analysis. Journal of Healthcare Safety, Compliance and Infection Control, 5(1):15–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Daws, J. (1981). Lifting and moving patient's revision training programme. Nursing Times, 77(48):2067–2069.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Daynard, D., Yassi, A., Cooper, J.E., Tate, R., Norman, R., & Wells, R. (2001). Biomechanical analysis of peak and cumulative spinal loads during patient handling activities: a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial to prevent lift and transfer injury health care workers. Applied Ergonomics, 32:199–214.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dehlin, O., Hedenrud, B., & Horal, J. (1976). Back symptoms in nursing assistants in a geriatric hospital. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 8(2):47–53.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • De Looze, M.P., Zinzen, E., Caboor, D., et al. (1994). Effect of individually chosen bed-height adjustments on the low-back stress of nurses. Scandinavian Journal of Work. Environment & Health, 20:427–434.

    Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson, A.W. (2000). Lift team intervention: A six year picture. Journal of Healthcare Safety, Compliance and Infection Control, 4(2):65–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doormaal, M., Driessen, A., Landeweerd, J., & Drost, M.R. (1995) Physical workload of ambulance assistants. Ergonomics 38(2):361–376.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Engkvist, I-L., Kjellberg, A., Wigaeus, H.E., Hagberg, M., Menckel, E., & Ekenvall, L. (2001) Back injuries among nursing personnel—identification of work conditions with cluster analysis. Safety Science, 37:1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evanoff, B., Wolf, L., Aton, E., Canos, J., & Collins, J. (2003). Reduction in injury rates in nursing personnel through introduction of mechanical lifts in the workplace. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 44:451–457.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fanello, S., Frampas-Chotard, V., Roquelaure, Y., et al. (1999). Evaluation of an educational low back pain prevention program for hospital employees. Revue Du Rhumatisme (Eng. Ed.), 66(12):711–716.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Feldstein, A., Valanis, B., Vollmer, W., Stevens, N., & Overton, C. (1993) The back injury prevention project pilot study: Assessing the effectiveness of back attack, an injury prevention program among nurses, aides, and orderlies. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 35:114–120.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fragala, G., & Bailey, L.P. (2003). Addressing occupational strains and sprains: musculoskeletal injuries in hospitals. AAOHN Journal, 51(6):252–259.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Furber, S., Moore, H., Williamson, M., & Barry, J. (1997). Injuries to ambulance officers caused by patient handling tasks. Journal of Occupational Health & Safety—Australia & New Zealand, 13(3):259–265.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gagnon, M., Akre, F., Chehade, A., Kemp, F., & Lortie, M. (1987) Mechanical work and energy transfers while turning patients in bed. Ergonomics, 30:1515–1530.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gagnon, M., Chehade, A., Kemp, F., & Lortie, M. (1987). Lumbo-sacral loads and selected muscle activity while turning patients in bed. Ergonomics, 30:1013–1032.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gagnon, M., Roy, D., Lortie, M. & Roy, R. (1988). Evolution of the execution parameters on a patient handling task. La Travail Humain, 51:193–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garb, J.R., & Dockery, C.A. (1995). Reducing employee back injuries in the perioperative setting. AORN Journal, 61(6):1046–1052.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garg, A., & Owen, B. (1992). Reducing back stress to nursing personnel: An ergonomic intervention in a nursing home. Ergonomics, 35(11):1353–1375.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garg, A., Owen, B., Beller, D., & Banaag, J. (1991a). A biomechanical and ergonomic evaluation of patient transferring tasks: Bed to wheelchair and wheelchair to bed. Ergonomics, 34:289–312.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garg, A., Owen, B., Beller, D., & Banaag, J. (1991b). A biomechanical and ergonomic evaluation of patient transferring tasks: wheelchair to shower chair and shower chair to wheelchair. Ergonomics, 34:407–419.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gilbertons, L.G., Krag, M.H., & Pope, M.H. (1983). Investigation of the effect of intra-abdominal pressure on the load bearing of the spine. Transactions of the Orthopedic Research Society, 8:177.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gracovetsky, S., Farfan, H.F., & Lamy, C. (1981). The mechanism of the lumbar spine, Spine, 6:249–262.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Green, C. (1996). Study of the moving and handling practices on two medical wards. British Journal of Nursing, 5:303–311.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harper, P., Pena, L., Hsu, P., Billet, E., Greer, D., & Kim, K. (1994). Personal history, training and worksite as predictors of back pain of nurses. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 25:519–526.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayne, C. (1984). Ergonomics and back pain. Physiotherapy, 70(1):9–13.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Health Care Occupational Health and Safety Association. (1986). Transfer and lifts for caregivers. Ontario, Canada: HCOSHA Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hemborg, B., & Moritz, U. (1985). Intra-abdominal pressure and trunk muscle activity during lifting. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 17:5–13.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hignett, S. (1996). Work-related back pain in nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 23(6):1238–1246.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hignett, S., Crumpton, E., Ruszala, S., Alexander, P., Fray, M., & Fletcher, B. (2003). Evidence-based patient handling: systematic review. Nursing Standard, 17(33):33–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Holliday, P.J., Fernie, G.R., & Plowman, S. (1994). The impact of new lifting technology in long-term care. AAOHN Journal, 42:582–589.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hollingdale, R., & Warin, J. (1997). Back pain in nursing and associated factors: A study. Nursing Standard, 11(39):35–38.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hui, L., Ng, G.Y.F., Yeung, S.S.M., & Hui-Chan, C.W.Y. (2001). Evaluation of physiological work demands and low back neuromuscular fatigue on nurses working in geriatric wards. Applied Ergonomics, 32:479–483.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Knibbe, J.J., & Friele, R.D. (1996). Prevalence of back pain and characteristics of the physical workload of community nurses. Ergonomics, 39:186–198.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Knibbe, N., & Knibbe, J.J. (1995). Postural load of nurses during bathing and showering of patients. Internal Report. The Netherlands: Locomotion Health Consultancy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laflin, K., & Aja, D. (1994). Healthcare concerns related to lifting: An inside look at intervention strategies. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1:63–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lagerstrom, M., & Hagberg, M. (1997). Evaluation of a 3-year education and training program for nursing personnel at a Swedish hospital. AAOHN Journal, 45:83–92.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Le Bon, C., & Forrester, C. (1997). An ergonomic evaluation of a patient handling device: The elevate and transfer vehicle. Applied Ergonomics, 28:365–374.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Legg, S.J. (1981). The effect of abdominal muscle fatigue and training on the intra-abdominal pressure developed during lifting. Ergonomics, 24:191–195.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lloyd, J., & Baptiste, A. (2004). Biomechanical evaluation of friction-reducing devices for lateral patient transfers. Research Rehabilitation & Development Journal.

  • Lynch, R.M., & Freund, A. (2000) Short-term efficacy of back injury intervention project for patient care providers at one hospital. AIHAJ: Journal for the Science of Occupational & Environmental Health & Safety, 61:290–294.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations, (1992). London: The Stationery Office.

  • Marras, W.S., Davis, K.G., Kirking, B.C., & Bertsche, P.K. (1999). A comprehensive analysis of low-back disorder risk and spinal loading during the transferring and repositioning of patients using different techniques. Ergonomics, 42(7):904–926.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marras, W.S., King, A.I., & Joynt, R.L. (1984) Measurements of loads on the lumbar spine under isometric and isokinetic conditions. Spine, 9(2):176–187.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marras, W.S., Lavender, S.A., Leurgans, S.E., et al. (1993). The role of the dynamic three-dimensional trunk motion in occupationally-related low back disorders. Spine, 18(5): 617–628.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Massad, R., Gambin, C., & Duval, L. (2000). The contribution of ergonomics to the prevention of musculoskeletal lesions among ambulance technicians. Proceedings of the IEA 2000/HFES 2000 Congress, The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, California: Santa Monica, 4:201–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGill, S.M., & Norman, R.W. (1986). Partitioning of the L4/L5 dynamic moment into disc, ligamentous and muscular components during lifting. Spine, 11(7):666–678.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McGuire, T. & Dewar, J. (1995). An assessment of moving and handling practices among Scottish nurses. Nursing Standard, 9:35–39.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McGuire, T., Moody, J., & Hanson, M. (1996). An evaluation of mechanical aids used within NHS. Nursing Standard, 11:33–38.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McGuire, T., Moody, J., & Hanson, M. (1997). Managers attitudes towards mechanical aids. Nursing Standard, 11:33–38.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MDA. (1994). Slings to accompany mobile domestic hoists. Norwich: HMSO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meittunen E.J., Matzke K., McCormack, H., & Sobczak, S.C. (1999). The effect of focusing ergonomic risk factors on a patient transfer team to reduce incidents among nurses associated with patient care. Journal of Healthcare Safety, Compliance and Infection Control, 2(7):306–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, E. (1995). Patient lifter in a practical test. A spine-saving aid or bulk in the storage room? Pflege Aktuell, 49: 597–600.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moody, J., McGuire, T., & Hanson, M. (1996). A study of nurses' attitudes towards mechanical aids. Nursing Standard, 11:37–42.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moses, E.B. (Ed.), (1992). The registered nurse population: Findings from the national sample survey of registered nurses. Washington DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Public Health Service, Division of Nursing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Musculoskeletal injury: A practical guide to resident handling (2003). Retrieved September 2, 2004 from the world wide web at www.interiorhealth.ca/Information/Documents/Documents?MSIP+Manual.htm.

  • National Audit Office (NAO) (2003). A safer place to work: Improving the management of health and safety risks to staff in NHS trusts. Retrieved July 20, 2004, from www.nao.gov/uk/publications/nao_reports/02-03/0203623.pdf.

  • National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). (2001). National research agenda (NORA), 2001. Atlanta, GA: DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001-147.

  • National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Back Belt Working Group. (1994). Workplace use of back belts: Review and recommendations (Publication No. 94-122). Rockville, MD: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Retrieved July 8, 2004 from www.cdc.goc/niosh/94-122.html

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, A. (1996). Unpublished research data from pilot study. Tampa, FL: James A. Haley Veterans Administration Medical Center.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, A.L. (Ed.). (2001). Patient care ergonomics resource guide: Safe patient handling and movement. Tampa, FL: Veterans Administration Patient Safety Center of Inquiry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, A.L., & Fragala, G. (2004). Equipment for safe patient handling and movement. In W. Charney and A. Hudson (Eds.). Back injury among healthcare workers, pp. 121–135. Washington, DC: Lewis Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, A.L., Fragala, G., & Menzel, N. (2003). Myths and facts about back injuries in Nursing. American Journal of Nursing, 103:32–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, A.L., Lloyd, J., Menzel, N., & Gross, C. (2003). Preventing nursing back injuries: Redesigning patient handling tasks. AAOHN Journal, 51(3):126–134.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, A.L., Owen, B., Lloyd, J., et al. (2003). Safe Patient Handling & Movement. American Journal of Nursing, 103(3):32–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, S., & Callaghan, C. (1993). Work-related back pain. Occupational Health (London), 45:201–205.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Norton, L. (2000). An ergonomic evaluation into fabric slings used during the hoisting of patients. Unpublished master's thesis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nussbaum, M.A., & Torres, N. (2001) Effects of training in modifying working methods during common patienthandling activities. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 27:33–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olsson, G., & Brandt, A. (1992). An investigation of the use of ceiling mounted hoists for disabled people. Denmark: Danish Centre for Technical Aids for Rehabilitation and Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, B. (1987). The need for application of ergonomic principles in nursing. Trends in Ergonomics: Human Factors IV, pp. 831–838.

  • Owen, B. (1989). The magnitude of low-back problems in nursing. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 11:234–242.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Owen, B. (2000). Preventing injuries using an ergonomic approach. AORN Journal, 72(6):1031–1036.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Owen B., & Garg, A. (1991). Reducing risk for back pain in nursing personnel. AAOHN Journal, 39:24–33.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Owen, B.D. (1999). Decreasing the back injury problem in nursing personnel. Surgical Services Management, 5(7):15–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, B.D., Keene, K., & Olson, S. (2000). Patient handling tasks perceived to be most stressful by hospital nursing personnel. Journal of Healthcare Safety, Compliance, and Infection Control, 5(1):19–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, B.D., Keene, K., & Olson, S. (2002). An ergonomic approach to reducing back/shoulder stress in hospital nursing personnel: A five year follow up. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 39(3):295–302.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Owen, B.D., Keene, K., Olson, S., & Garg, A. (1995). An ergonomic approach to reducing back stress while carrying out patient handling tasks with a hospitalized patient. In Hagberg, Hofmann, Stobel & Westlander (Eds.), Occupational Health for Health Care Workers. Landsberg, Germany: ECOMED.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, B.D., & Staehler, K. (2003). Approaches to decreasing back stress in homecare. Home Healthcare Nursing Manual, 21(3):180–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paraprofessional Health Institute (2003). Workforce strategies: Introducing peer mentoring in long-term care settings. Retrieved September 2, 2004 from the world wide web at www.paraprofessional.org/publications/Workforce Strategies2.pdf.

  • Pope, M.H., Andersson, G.B., Frymoyer, J.W., & Chaffin, D.B. (1991). Occupational low back pain: Assessment, treatment and prevention. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book.

    Google Scholar 

  • Retsas, A., & Pinikahana, J. (2000). Manual handling activities and injuries among nurses: An Australian hospital study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 31:875–883.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ronald, L.A., Yassi, A., Spiegel, J., Tate, R.B., Tait, D., & Mozel, M.R. (2002). Effectiveness of installing overhead ceiling lifts. AAOHN Journal, 50:120–126.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Royal College of Nursing (RCN). (1996). RCN Code of Practice for Patient Handling. Publication Code 000-604. London: Royal College of Nursing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schibye, B., & Skotte, J. (2000) The mechanical loads on the low back during different patient handling tasks. Proceedings of the IEA2000/HFES 2000 Congress, The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, pp. 785–788. Santa Monica, CA.

  • Scopa, M. (1993). Comparison of classroom instruction and independent study in body mechanics. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 24(4):170–3.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, R (1981). Creating back care awareness. Dimensions of Health Service, 58(3), 32–33.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shepherd, C. (2001), Summer), Dimensions of care: Ergonomics for the hospital setting. Occupational Health Tracker, 4(2). Retreived July 8, 2004, from the world wide web at: www.systoc.com/Tracker/Summer01/ErgonHosp.asp.

  • Skarplik, C. (1988). Patient handling in the community. Nursing, 3(30):13–16.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smedley, J., Egger, P., Cooper C., & Coggon, D. (1995). Manual handling activities and risk of low back pain in nurses. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 52: 160–165.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Snook, S., Campanelli, R., & Hart, J. (1978). A study of three preventative approaches to low back injury. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 20(7):478–481.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • St. Vincent, M., Tellier, C., & Lortie, M. (1989). Training in handling an evaluative study. Ergonomics 32(2):191–210.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stubbs, D., Buckle, P., Hudson, M., & Rivers, P. (1983). Back pain in the nursing profession II. The effectiveness of training. Ergonomics, 26(8):767–779.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Switzer, S., & Porter, J.M. (1993). The lifting behavior of nurses—in their own words. In: F. Darby, & P. Turner (Eds.) Proceedings 7th Cont. NZ Ergonomics Soc. 2–3 August 1996, pp. 33–43. Wellington: New Zealand Ergonomics Society.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takala, E.P., & Kukkonen, R. (1987). The handling of patients on geriatric wards. Ergonomics, 18:17.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • The state of the CDC, fiscal year 2003 (2nd ed.). (n.d.). Retrieved from the world wide web on September 2, 2004 from www.cdc.gov/CDC.pdf

  • Troup, J.D., & Rauhala, H.H. (1987). Ergonomics and training. International Journal of Nursing Studies 24(4): 325–330.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tuohy-Main, K. (1997). Why manual handling should be eliminated for resident and career safety. Geriaction 15: 10–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, (1999, 23 November). Federal Register, Part II, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR Part 1910; Ergonomics Program: Proposal Rule.

  • U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2002). Ergonomics Guidelines for Nursing Homes. Retrieved June 22, 2003 from the world wide web at: www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/nursing home/final_nh_guidelines.html.

  • Venning, P. (1988). Back injury prevention among nursing personnel. AAOHN Journal, 36(8):327–333.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Videman, T., Nurminen, T., Tolas, S., Kuorinka, I., Vanharanta, H., & Troup, J. (1984). Low back pain in nurses and some loading factors of work. Spine, 9(4):400–404.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Villeneuve, J. (1988, January). The ceiling lift: an efficient way to prevent injuries to nursing staff. Journal of Healthcare Safety, Compliance & Infection Control, pp. 19–23.

  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Environmental Health and Safety Services. Workplace ergonomics: Engineering controls. Retrieved July 8, 2004, from www. ehss.vt.edu/Programs/OHIH/Ergo/08_Engineering Controls.htm.

  • Wachs, J.E., & Parker, J.E. (1987). Registered nurses' lifting behaviour in the hospital setting. In S. Asfour (Ed.), Trends in Ergonomics/Human Factors IV. Holland: Elsevier Science Publishers, B.V.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wassell, J.T., Gardner, L.I., Landsittel D.P., Johnston, J.J., & Johnston, J.M. (2000). A prospective study of back belts for prevention of back pain and injury. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284(21):2727–2732.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wicker, P. (2000). Manual handling in the perioperative environment. British Journal of Perioperative Nursing, 10(5): 255–259.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, D. (1987). Design and evaluation of a back injury prevention program within a geriatric hospital. Spine, 12:77–82.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yassi, A., Cooper, J.E., Tate, R.B. et al. (2001). A randomized controlled trial to prevent patient lift and transfer injuries of healthcare workers. Spine, 26:1739–1746.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zelenka, J.P., Floren, A.E., & Jordan, J.J. (1996). Minimal forces to move patients. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 50:354–361.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL

    Audrey Nelson PhD, RN, FAAN & Andrea S. Baptiste MA, CIE

Authors
  1. Audrey Nelson PhD, RN, FAAN
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Andrea S. Baptiste MA, CIE
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Audrey Nelson PhD, RN, FAAN.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Nelson, A., Baptiste, A.S. Evidence-based practices for safe patient handling and movement. Clinic Rev Bone Miner Metab 4, 55–69 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1385/BMM:4:1:55

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/BMM:4:1:55

Key words

Search

Navigation