ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Community nurses are exposed to high physical demands at work resulting in musculoskeletal disorders. The present study examined the short- and long-term benefits of a multifaceted intervention program designed especially for community nurses in Hong Kong. METHODS: Fifty community nurses working in 4 local hospitals participated in the study. All of them underwent an 8-week intervention program consisting of ergonomic training, daily exercise program, equipment modification, computer workstation assessment and typing training. RESULTS: All participants showed significant improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms and functional outcomes comparing pre- and post-intervention results. Significant reduction in symptom score was observed at 1-year follow-up compared to post-intervention. Symptomatic group (n=40) showed more significant changes overall compared to asymptomatic group (n=10). CONCLUSION: Results support the positive benefits, both short- and long-term, of the multifaceted ergonomic intervention programme for community nurses.