The Effectiveness of the Lateral Patient Transfer Device to Reduce Musculoskeletal Risk among Practical Nurses in a Hospital, Thailand

Abstract

Moving patients is a task that requires force, and poses musculoskeletal risk among practical nurses. The use of an equipment to assist patient lifting and transferring can reduce musculoskeletal risk. This study was a quasi-experimental research measuring the effectiveness of a patient moving device for a period of 4 weeks among practical nurses in a hospital. The 33 subjects were selected based on the inclusion criteria. The data were collected by using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) tool. The results showed that the patient moving device could reduce musculoskeletal risk which included the work posture significantly (P < 0.05). This study could be used as a practical basis for hospital to bring in the equipment for assisting moving of patients.