Patient Handling Tasks with High Risk for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Critical Care

Critical care nurses are at high risk for development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Many patient handling tasks in critical care require physical demands that may result in excessive internal forces, increasing the risk for WMSDs. There are solutions for performing these tasks safely, using technology. This article describes risk factors associated with high-risk patient handling tasks and presents solutions for reducing risk for WMSDs. Studies show that implementing a safe patient handling and movement program that incorporates new technology can pay for itself in a short period of time and provide long-term benefit for health care facilities and nursing staff.