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Staff Injury Risk: Turning and Repositioning
While frequent turning and repositioning of patients is critical to preventing sacral pressure ulcers, it can be extremely challenging for staff. It can be physically demanding and require considerable nursing time.
Manual lifting and other tasks involving repositioning patients are associated with increased risk of pain and injury to staff, particularly to the back.1 Turning and repositioning puts staff at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which include conditions such as low back pain, sciatica and rotator cuff injuries.1
Prevalence and Cost
- In 2009, nurses aides, orderlies and attendants suffered a total of 25,160 MSDs. 59.2% of these were back injuries requiring an average of 5 days off work. 12.2% were shoulder injuries with an average of 8 days off work.
- Registered nurses suffered a total of 10,480 MSDs in 2009.2
- Nurse back injuries cost an estimated $16 billion annually in worker's compensation benefits. Medical treatment, lost work days, light duty and employee turnover cost an additional $10 billion.3
In a survey of more than 900 clinicians, 89% said they or a co-worker have experienced a back, shoulder or wrist injury due to turning or boosting a patient.4 More than 80% said there is room for improvement in compliance to their facility's turning and repositioning protocol. |
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