Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nurses: Still an Unsolved Problem in Reality (Narrative Literature Review)

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major cause of morbidity in nursing. They include a range of signs and symptoms that can affect the quality of performance of work tasks and quality of life. Workplace risk factors can generally be divided into biomechanical (physical), psychosocial, sociocultural, individual (personal), organisational, and environmental risk factors. The risk factors are numerous and interact positively and negatively with each other. There are various methods and tools for assessing work-related risk exposure or risk factors in the workplace. In general, the methods for risk assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders can be categorised as self-report, (expert) observation, direct measurement, and remote sensing. When selecting assessment tools, we must consider their measurement characteristics as well as financial and time constraints, the characteristics of the researchers, the clients, and the environment. The assessment of risk factors forms the basis for the development of intervention measures to reduce and/or prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The intervention framework usually consists of a sequence of several steps. Given the dynamic nature of change in work-related musculoskeletal disorders, this process is iterative and continuous and is likely to be most effective when individualised. Healthy employees in a well-functioning work environment should be the goal in every workplace in the healthcare system.