Authors

  1. Gonzalez, Cynthia M.
  2. Howe, Cynthia M.
  3. Waters, Thomas R.
  4. Nelson, Audrey

Abstract

Nurses and other caregivers face high risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders associated with turning (logrolling) patients with orthopaedic conditions. The task is considered high risk on the basis of weight limits and awkward positioning. A task force including representatives from the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses the American Nurses Association, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Patient Safety Center of Inquiry at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tampa, Diligent Services, and Guldmann, Inc., developed an ergonomic tool for determining best practices for safe patient turning. Scientific evidence, concepts of ergonomic safety, and safe patient handling equipment were incorporated into this ergonomic tool.