Prevention of Work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries in Rehabilitation Nursing

Purpose: Work-related musculoskeletal injuries remain a concern for the nursing profession. The purpose of this study was to reduce work-related musculoskeletal nursing injuries by 10% on the rehabilitation unit in a Midwestern hospital. Design: Using a quality improvement and evidence-based practice lens, one group time-series design was employed. Methods: Shift reports, interdisciplinary collaboration, self-study educational packets, and journal club sessions were implemented. Findings: Results, although not statistically significant, indicated over a 50% reduction in work-related musculoskeletal nursing injuries. Self-engagement and the Hawthorne effect are thought to have contributed to this decline in injury rates. Conclusions: A cost-benefit analysis indicates an estimated savings of $90,000 over 4 months. A yearly practice-based education program and improvement in electronic health records is advocated to sustain this decrease in nursing injury rates. Clinical Relevance: Context-specific interventions, communication, algorithm approach to patient transfers, and research knowledge are needed to decrease rehabilitation work-related musculoskeletal nursing injuries.