The influence of individual and organisational factors on nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices in healthcare

• Published in: Applied ergonomics Vol. 44; no. 4; pp. 532 - 537
• Main Authors: Koppelaar, E., Knibbe, J.J., Miedema, H.S., Burdorf, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2013; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Applied physiology; Behavior; Behaviour; Biological and medical sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ergonomics; Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology; Female; Healthcare; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Humans; Implementation; Influence; Interviews as Topic; Lifting device; Logistic Models; Low Back Pain - prevention & control; Male; Medical sciences; Motivation; Moving and Lifting Patients; Netherlands; Nurses; Nursing Homes; Nursing Staff - psychology; Occupational Diseases - prevention & control; Occupational Health; Surveys and Questionnaires; Work environment; Workplace; Healthcare; Behaviour; Nurses; Implementation; Lifting device; Human; Health staff; Use; Medical device; Behavior; Nurse; Handling
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2012.11.005

This study evaluates the influence of individual and organisational factors on nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices in healthcare. Interviews among nurses were conducted to collect individual characteristics and to establish their behaviour regarding lifting devices use. Organisational factors were collected by questionnaires and walk-through-surveys, comprising technical facilities, organisation of care, and management-efforts. Generalised-Estimating-Equations for repeated measurements were used to estimate determinants of nurses' behaviour. Important determinants of nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices were knowledge of workplace procedures (OR = 5.85), strict guidance on required lifting devices use (OR = 2.91), and sufficient lifting devices (OR = 1.92). Management-support and supportive-management-climate were associated with these determinants. Since nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices is influenced by factors at different levels, studies in ergonomics should consider how multi-level factors impact each other. An integral approach, addressing individual and organisational levels, is necessary to facilitate appropriate implementation of ergonomic interventions, like lifting devices. ► Knowledge on work procedures is important for nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices. ► Sufficient lifting devices supported nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices. ► Patient specific strict lifting guidance should be targeted in workplace policies. ► Management support facilitates proper implementation of ergonomic interventions. ► Implementation of ergonomic interventions requires integration at all levels in the organisation.