Nurses, Ergonomics and Computer Use

This research aims to determine the nurses' level of awareness and knowledge of the principles of ergonomics that relate to computer use, to examine the priority given to said principles by practising nurses and health care organisations, and to explore how nurses may be assisted in understanding the principles of ergonomics relating to computer use. The approach used to research was descriptive and empirical. A sixteen-item instrument was developed and administered to practising nurses working in various locations in a regional area in South Australia. Nursing lecturers from a metropolitan and a regional university campus were also surveyed. Results revealed that the majority of survey participants were not aware of the ergonomic principles that relate to the use of computer technology and the majority of nurses have not been supported by workplaces in this area. Having identified this learning need, the regional campus could take a lead role in educating nurses through development of materials, intensive workshops and educational sessions on ergonomics.