Risk assessment of healthcare workers' exposure to physical load in relation to patient handling and movement: a feasibility study of the instrument TilThermometer.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common among healthcare workers (HCWs) but might be prevented by risk assessment and further promotion of occupational safety and health. The aim of this study was to investigate if the risk assessment instrument TilThermometer can be used to identify risk profiles of physical exposure in HCWs working with patient handling and movement (PHM). Further aims were to describe HCWs' perceptions and experiences of using the TilThermometer. METHODS: This feasibility study has a mixed design methodology. In total, 54 HCWs from 17 Swedish care units participated and performed risk assessments with the TilThermometer. Data collected from the risk assessments were used to identify risk profiles of physical exposure. HCWs' experiences of using the TilThermometer were collected from activity logs and analysed qualitatively. Three questionnaires were used to assess perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the risk assessment, and eight study specific questions were used for perceived usefulness. RESULTS: The TilThermometer was used at the care units by assessing each care recipient, and when compiling the data at a group level, a summarized risk profile for the care unit could be provided. Risk for physical exposure was reported as high in two work tasks; no care unit used the high-low adjustable seat when showering care recipients sitting down, and 13% used the recommended assistive devices when putting compression stockings on. However, 99% used high-low adjustable assistive devices when caring and bathing care recipients lying down. TilThermometer was described as easy to use, enabling team reflections and providing an overview of the care units' recipients and workload, but difficulties in categorizing for mobility groups were also reported. The TilThermometer was, on a five-point scale, perceived as acceptable (mean 3.93), appropriate (mean 3.9), and feasible (mean 3.97). These scores are in line with questions evaluating usefulness. CONCLUSION: The risk assessment provided risk profiles with potential to contribute to care units' development of a safe patient handling and movement practice. The findings suggest that the TilThermometer can be used to assess risks for physical exposure in relation to patient handling and movement in care units at hospital and nursing homes.

Patient Repositioning during Hospitalization and Prevention of Pressure Ulcers: a Narrative Review / Reposicionamiento de pacientes en hospitalización y prevención de úlceras por presión: una revisión narrativa / Reposicionamento de pacientes na internação e prevenção de úlceras por pressão: uma revisão narrativa

Objective. This article presents a literature review to explore and analyze the current situation of pressure ulcers or lesions or decubitus ulcers, pathophysiological, epidemiological aspects, and risk factors. The progress in evidence of the effectiveness of preventive repositioning in the appearance of these lesions in vulnerable hospitalized patients is also evaluated. Methods. Databases were reviewed in non-systematic manner, including the Cochrane Wounds Specialized Register; Medline, Scopus, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE (Ovid); EMBASE (Ovid), Web of Science, SciELO, and Lilacs. The general search terms included [pressure ulcers or pressure lesions or decubitus ulcers] and [prevention or preventive] and [repositioning or positioning or position changes or postural change] and [patient at risk or vulnerable] and [hospitalized or ICU or intensive care]. Systematic literature reviews, randomized clinical trials, observational studies, cost-effectiveness and qualitative studies in English or Spanish were included. Results. Although globally, the incidence, prevalence, and years of disability associated to these lesions has diminished between 1990 and 2019, the high impact on health persists. Evidence found on the effectiveness of repositioning in preventing pressure ulcers and health associated costs has been evaluated with certainty between low and very low, as a result of conducting research with serious methodological limitations that report results with high inaccuracy. Conclusion.The findings reported present that these lesions persist at hospital level and continue being a global social and health problem with high impact on health budgets. Likewise, there is a need to develop greater quality research on prevention strategies, such as repositioning, which validate their effectiveness, and justify their use.

Objetivo. Este artículo presenta una revisión de la literatura con el objetivo de explorar y analizar la situación actual de las úlceras o lesiones por presión o úlceras por decúbito, aspectos fisiopatológicos, epidemiológicos, y factores de riesgo. Se evalúa además el progreso en la evidencia de la eficacia del reposicionamiento preventivo en la aparición de estas lesiones en pacientes vulnerables hospitalizados. Métodos. Se revisaron bases de datos de forma no sistemática, incluyendo The Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; Medline, Scopus, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE (Ovid); EMBASE (Ovid), Web of Science, Scielo, y Lilacs. Los términos de búsqueda generales incluyeron [úlceras por presión o lesiones por presión o úlceras por decúbito] y [prevención o preventivo] y [reposicionamiento o posicionamiento o cambios de posición o cambio postural] y [paciente en riesgo o vulnerable] y [hospitalizado o UCI o cuidados intensivos]. Se incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura, ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, estudios observacionales, estudios de costo-efectividad y cualitativos en idioma inglés o español. Resultados. Aunque globalmente la incidencia, prevalencia y años de incapacidad asociado a estas lesiones ha disminuido entre 1990 y 2019, el impacto en salud persiste de forma elevada. La evidencia encontrada sobre la eficacia del reposicionamiento en prevención de úlceras por presión y costos asociados en salud ha sido evaluada con certeza entre baja y muy baja, como resultado de la realización de investigaciones con serias limitaciones metodológicas que reportan resultados con alta imprecisión. Conclusión.Los hallazgos reportados presentan que estas lesiones persisten a nivel hospitalario y continúan siendo un problema social y de salud mundial con alto impacto en los presupuestos en salud. Así mismo se presenta la necesidad de desarrollar mayor investigación de calidad en estrategias preventivas como el reposicionamiento, que validen su eficacia, y justifiquen su utilización.

Objetivo. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão da literatura com o objetivo de explorar e analisar a situação atual das úlceras por pressão ou úlceras de decúbito, os aspectos fisiopatológicos e epidemiológicos e os fatores de risco. Também avalia o progresso na evidência da eficácia do reposicionamento preventivo no desenvolvimento dessas lesões em pacientes hospitalizados vulneráveis. Métodos.Foram revisados bancos de dados não específicos do local, incluindo The Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE (Ovid); EMBASE (Ovid), Web of Science, Scielo e Lilacs. Os termos gerais de pesquisa incluíram [úlceras de pressão ou lesões por pressão ou úlceras de pressão ou úlceras de decúbito] e [prevenção ou preventivo] e [reposicionamento ou posicionamento ou mudanças de posição ou mudança postural] e [paciente em risco ou vulnerável] e [hospitalizado ou UTI ou terapia intensiva]. Foram incluídas revisões sistemáticas da literatura, ensaios clínicos randomizados, estudos observacionais, estudos de custo-efetividade e qualitativos em inglês ou espanhol. Resultados. Embora, em geral, a incidência, a prevalência e os anos de incapacidade associados a essas lesões tenham diminuído entre 1990 e 2019, o impacto na saúde continua alto. As evidências encontradas sobre a eficácia do reposicionamento na prevenção de úlceras por pressão e os custos de saúde associados foram avaliadas com certeza baixa a muito baixa, como resultado de pesquisas com sérias limitações metodológicas que relataram resultados altamente imprecisos. Conclusão. Os resultados relatados mostram que essas lesões persistem em nível hospitalar e continuam a ser um problema social e de saúde global com alto impacto nos orçamentos de saúde. Também há necessidade de mais pesquisas de qualidade sobre estratégias preventivas, como o reposicionamento, para validar sua eficácia e justificar seu uso.

EHDS and Free Movement of Patients: What EU Intervention is Needed?

The European Commission issued a proposal for a Regulation on the European Health and Data Space to improve patient mobility. This EHDS Regulation lays down rules for the exchange of digital health data for primary use (treatment) and for secondary use (i.e. research, policymaking). This proposal has far-reaching implications for national healthcare systems. The question arises whether, with this draft, the Commission in fact proposes to overstep the powers of the European Union, as the delivery and organization of healthcare belongs to the competences of the Member States. Furthermore, the (lack of) exchange of digital health data is not the only hinderance for the free movement of patients. The current set-up of the Patient Directive and the Social Security Coordination Regulation also discourages patients from seeking treatment abroad. Therefore, a more integrated approach in the form of a new Patient Regulation is, in our view, needed.

Investigating the Risk of Patient Manual Handling Using the Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patients Method among Hospital Nurses in Botswana.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) among nurses is widespread in the literature, with several risk factors being reported. These include manual handling of patients, repetitive bending and twisting movements, and long working hours. It is reported that LBP has negative health outcomes and causes poor work performance among healthcare workers (HCWs). The magnitude of ergonomic risks associated with these healthcare activities has not been adequately investigated in Botswana. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the ergonomic risk levels associated with the manual handling of patients and its association with the prevalence of LBP among nurses in Botswana. METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in a Botswana public tertiary hospital from March to April 2023. The Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patients (MAPO) tool was used to collect data on ergonomic risk levels. Data on the demographic characteristics of participants were collected using a tool adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated to determine the association between ergonomic risk levels and the prevalence of LBP. RESULTS: A total of 256 nurses participated and completed the study. The self-reported prevalence of LBP in this study was 76.6%. The risk of acquiring LBP was high (90.5%) based on the MAPO index. Although the frequencies of self-reported LBP were high among nurses, these did not show any significant association with the MAPO index data. This could be partly due to the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of LBP in this study, which was corroborated by the MAPO index data. This has demonstrated the value of the MAPO index in forecasting the risk of patient manual handling. The findings might help Botswana formulate policies intended to address ergonomic preventive measures, directed towards reducing the MAPO index score by addressing the single risk determinants.

Validity and reliability of Japanese version of the MAPO index for assessing manual patient handling in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES: Low back pain (LBP) among caregivers in Japanese nursing homes has long been considered an occupational health issue. This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of our developed Japanese version of the Movement and Assistance for Hospitalized Patients (J-MAPO) index, a risk assessment tool for LBP, in nursing homes. METHODS: Two inspectors assessed 15 nursing homes using J-MAPO, and deduced 3 LBP risk levels as follows: low, moderate, and high risk. Caregivers in nursing homes responded to a self-administered questionnaire on LBP over the past 12 months. Data from 296 caregivers with no missing data were used. We further used logistic regression models to analyze the association between LBP as a dependent variable, and J-MAPO risk level as an independent variable. We used Cohen kappa coefficient to assess interrater reliability to further assess the agreement between the 2 inspectors. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio and 95% CIs for LBP increased progressively with J-MAPO risk level (Low-risk: 1.00; Moderate-risk: 1.70 [0.74-3.91]; High-risk: 2.67 [1.28-5.56]). Furthermore, the J-MAPO risk levels assessed by the 2 inspectors were in perfect agreement (κ = 1) observed for interrater reliability using Cohen kappa coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: There was high interrater reliability, and J-MAPO risk levels were associated with LBP. Therefore, our results suggest that the J-MAPO is a useful risk assessment tool for LBP in Japanese nursing homes.

Exploring the challenges and risks of dead body handling faced by healthcare professionals during the coronavirus pandemic: Cross sectional survey study.

The coronavirus pandemic shocked the already overwhelmed global healthcare system, challenging its preparedness to deal with mass fatalities. Our research examines the safety issues faced by healthcare workers when handling dead (deceased) bodies, highlighting the need for better strategies in the event of mass fatalities. Healthcare providers involved in dead body handling during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. were eligible to participate in our study. Using a web-based survey, we analyzed responses of 206 participants across 43 U.S. states. We used the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework to deduce themes from participants' open-ended responses. The study showed how routine tasks become extraordinarily challenging during pandemic due to increased workload, emotional stress, and resource constraints. Tasks such as lifting and transferring bodies, underscored physical and emotional toll on workers. The mental strain induced by mass fatalities and the complexities of communicating with families and peers were also prominent, adding to the overall burden on healthcare workers. The participants emphasized the importance of specialized training, policy refinements, and improvements in its implementation. In conclusion, our study contributes to understanding the complexities of dead body handling during a pandemic. It underscores the need for emergency response planning and systemic changes in healthcare policies and practices to ensure the safety and well-being of healthcare workers engaged in these critical tasks.

Kinematic analysis of preparation for transferring from wheelchair to bed.

This study aimed to clarify the kinematics, particularly of the shoulder and hip joints, during preparation for manual wheelchair-to-bed transfer (i.e. when flipping up the arm and foot supports). This cross-sectional study included 32 able-bodied individuals. The kinematics of the shoulder and hip joints when the arm and foot supports were flipped up of manual wheelchair, were evaluated using a markerless inertial sensor-based motion capture system. We found that flipping the arm support upwards involved a large amount of abduction, internal and external rotation, flexion, and extension at the shoulder joint, whereas flipping the foot support upwards involved a large amount of flexion at the hip joint. The findings suggest that it is necessary to consider the range of motion required to flip up the arm and foot supports of manual wheelchairs, particularly in those with limited shoulder and hip range of motion such as older people, neuromuscular disorders, and orthopedic disorders.

Early Mobilization Using a Mobile Patient Lift in the ICU: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain whether a mobile patient lift facilitates early mobilization in ventilated ICU patients. DESIGN: A single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: An academic ICU in Tokyo. PATIENTS: Eighty patients were admitted to ICU and expected ventilation for at least 48 hours. INTERVENTIONS: In the intervention group, in addition to the rehabilitation protocol received by the control group, patients were assisted in sitting, standing, transfers, and walking using the mobile patient lift. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The intervention group predominantly stood faster than the control group (1.0 vs. 3.0 d, p < 0.01). The Intervention group also had significantly higher Functional Status Score-ICU scores at ICU discharge. However, the Medical Research Council score and Barthel index at discharge, length of ICU stay, and number of ventilator-free days did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of mobile patient lifts facilitates the earlier standing of patients on ventilators. This may contribute to patients improved physical function in the ICU. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) under the registration number UMIN000044965. Registered July 30, 2021.

Individual and organizational factors associated with injury history and patient handling behaviors: Results from a nationwide survey of healthcare workers.

With proper compliance, safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). To better understand individual, environmental, and organizational factors associated with both the adoption of SPHM and prevalence of MSDs, a nationwide online survey was administered. 973 healthcare workers (HCWs) completed the survey, for which 59.6% reported past work-related MSDs or pain. Among those with pain or injury, 33.3% changed roles, 79.7% worked while injured, and only 30.9% reported workers' compensation claims. Less than half of HCWs agreed that SPHM equipment is readily available, and most considered manually handling patients weighing over 91 kg acceptable. Equipment availability, ceiling lift availability, supervisor encouragement, and annual training were associated with increased use of SPHM equipment. Availability of SPHM equipment reduced the likelihood of injured nurses changing roles. Despite overall agreement that SPHM programs are beneficial, common clinical practice remains insufficient to adequately protect HCWs from risk of injury.

Proof of Concept Testing of Safe Patient Handling Intervention Using Wearable Sensor Technology.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers make up one of the occupations in the United States that experience the most musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries are often related to the movement and repositioning of patients. Despite previous injury prevention attempts, injury rates remain at an unsustainable level. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study is to provide preliminary testing of the impact of a lifting intervention on common biomechanical risk factors for injury during high-risk patient movements.; Methods: A before-and-after (quasi-experimental) design was utilized to compare biomechanical risk factors before and after a lifting intervention. Kinematic data were collected using the Xsens motion capture system, while muscle activations were collected with the Delsys Trigno EMG system. RESULTS: Improvements were noted in the lever arm distance, trunk velocity, and muscle activations during the movements following the intervention; Conclusions: The contextual lifting intervention shows a positive impact on the biomechanical risk factors for musculoskeletal injury among healthcare workers without increasing the biomechanical risk. A larger, prospective study is needed to determine the intervention's ability to reduce injuries among healthcare workers.

Manual patient handling in the healthcare setting: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Manual patient handling is the most frequently reported risk factor for work related musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare. Patient handling tasks are routinely performed manually without assistive devices and can create awkward postures and high loads for nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs). However, AHPs, notably physiotherapists, also utilize therapeutic handling to facilitate patient movement during rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively map the literature surrounding manual patient handling (without assistive devices) by healthcare practitioners. METHODS: AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE databases were searched. Grey literature was sourced from Google Scholar, EThOS, Open Grey, Health and Safety Executive, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Work Safe Australia. Literature published in English between 2002 and 2021 was included. RESULTS: Forty-nine records were included: 36 primary research studies, 1 systematic review and 12 'other' including narrative and government reports. Primary research was predominantly observational cross-sectional (n = 21). The most common settings included laboratories (n = 13) and hospitals (n = 13). Seven research questions were identified, with patient handling practices (n = 13) the most common. Nurses formed the largest practitioner population (n = 13) and patients were often simulated (n = 12). Common outcomes included tasks performed (n = 13) and physical demands during patient handling (n = 13). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: This comprehensive scoping review identified that most research was observational, investigating nurses in hospitals or laboratories. More research on manual patient handling by AHPs and investigation of the biomechanics involved in therapeutic handling is needed. Further qualitative research would allow for greater understanding of manual patient handling practices within healthcare. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Identifying the critical physically demanding tasks performed by personal support workers in Canada.

Due to increased work demands, personal support workers (PSWs) are experiencing more work-related injuries. However, little is known about PSW work tasks and their corresponding physical demand. The purpose of this study was to identify critical tasks that are physically demanding and completed frequently as identified by PSWs. Additionally, we identified contextual factors (i.e., environmental-, situational-, patient-related) that influenced physical demands. We surveyed 443 community-based PSWs working in Canada who rated the physical demand associated with client care tasks and identified contextual factors that can increase task specific physical demands. Transferring/repositioning patients, dressing, and bathing were perceived as most demanding. Patient weight and mobility influenced the level of physical demand required for most tasks. These data provide a foundation to develop physical employment standards and task specific education and training to prevent PSW injuries.

Norma técnica de salud para el cuidado integral de la persona afectada por tuberculosis, familia y comunidad (NTS N° 200-MINSA/DGIESP-2023) / Technical health standard for the comprehensive care of the person affected by tuberculosis, family and community (NTS N° 200-MINSA/DGIESP-2023)

La presente publicación describe los criterios clínicos y programáticos, así como los procedimientos técnicos de las intervenciones sanitarias en el cuidado integral por curso de vida de la prevención y control de la tuberculosis en la población afectada o con factores de riesgo. Asimismo, incorpora importantes avances e innovaciones para la prevención y control de la tuberculosis, basadas en las recomendaciones brindadas por los organismos internacionales de salud y evidencias científicas, aplicadas a la realidad nacional. Así, incluye la introducción de metodología molecular en el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad, el uso de nuevos medicamentos para la terapia preventiva, esquemas totalmente orales y acortados para el tratamiento de la tuberculosis resistente, un mayor involucramiento de los actores comunitarios en la prevención y la detección de la tuberculosis, así como su participación activa en las diversas intervenciones estratégicas