What Do We Know About Interventions to Prevent Low Back Injury and Pain Among Nurses and Nursing Students? A Scoping Review

Abstract

Study background Back injuries are common among nurses worldwide with lifetime prevalence of lower back pain ranging from 35% to 80%, making nursing a profession at great risk for back injuries. Purpose This systematic scoping review explored and mapped existing evidence regarding the prevention of low back injury and pain among nurses and nursing students. Methods Using a scoping review methodology, six databases were searched initially in September 2017 and updated June 2020. Studies investigating interventions designed to reduce back injuries and pain among regulated nurses and student nurses, published in peer-review journals and written in English, were eligible for inclusion in this review. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies of regulated nurses, nursing students, and nursing aides were included. Two independent reviewers screened, critically analysed studies using a quality appraisal tool, extracted data, and performed quality appraisals. Results Two searches yielded 3,079 abstracts and after title, abstract and screening, our final synthesis was based on 48 research studies. Conclusions Forty years of research has demonstrated improvements in quality over time, the efficacy of interventions to prevent back injury and pain remains unclear, given the lack of high-quality studies. Further research, using multi-dimensional approaches and rigorous study designs, are needed.