| Type of Document |
Master's Thesis |
| Author |
Torres, Noris
II |
| Author's Email Address |
ntorres@vt.edu |
| URN |
etd-10298-113255 |
| Title |
Effects of Training in Modifying Work Methods and Behaviors
During Common Patient Handling Activities |
| Degree |
Master of Science |
| Department |
Industrial and Systems Engineering |
| Advisory Committee |
| Advisor Name |
Title |
| Nussbaum, Maury A. |
Committee Chair |
| Kroemer, Karl H. E. |
Committee Member |
| Williges, Robert C. |
Committee Member |
|
| Keywords |
- Patient handling
- Training
- Biomechanics
- Ratings of Perceived Exertion
|
| Date of Defense |
1998-09-11 |
| Availability |
unrestricted |
Abstract
In a 1994 survey, on incidence rates of musculoskeletal
injuries among private industries within the U.S, nurses
ranked first nationally. Patient handling tasks are
considered to be a precipitating factor in the development
of many musculoskeletal injuries. For many decades
personnel training has been an intervention widely used for
the nursing back problem. Inconsistency regarding the
effectiveness of many personnel training programs, lack of
controlled research among existing studies, and a primary
focus only on long term reduction of injury rates makes the
interpretation of the success of personnel training programs
a difficult one. This study is based on the assumption
that, if a training program is to be effective as a means
of reducing musculoskeletal injuries, it must first modify
worker behaviors and biomechanical stresses to a measurable
degree.
This research investigated the effects of training
(Video and Lecture/Practice) on modifying working behaviors
and biomechanical stress. Two tasks were examined
(wheelchair to bed and lift up in bed) with two types of
assistance (one-person or two-person) and two levels of
patient's dependence (semi-dependent or dependent).
Changes in behaviors were examined immediately following
training (1-2 days delay) and after a short period of time
(4-6 weeks) and evaluated using the criteria of subjective
ratings of exertion, and postural and biomechanical
measures. Results indicated that training led to several
significant changes in the knee, hip, elbow and torso
angles, whole body, shoulders and low back RPE, shear forces
and shoulder moments. No differences were observed in
these measures after a short period of time, suggesting
retention of the information presented during the training
programs. Results as a whole suggest that training can
positively affect the working postures and biomechanical
stress during common patient handling tasks. All the
postural changes and biomechanical measures were
advantageous in terms of reducing musculoskeletal stress.
It was also found that after a short period of time
(4-6 weeks) still retained the information presented
during the training programs. Training using a
combination of lecture and practice in some cases achieved
better results than Video-based training.
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