References
Use of the Omaha System to identify musculoskeletal problems in intensive care unit nurses: a case study
Abstract
Background:
there is a need for a standard terminology to identify and manage occupational risks in intensive care unit (ICU) settings.
Aim:
this study was conducted to investigate the occupational musculoskeletal symptom-related problems of one ICU nurse using the Omaha system.
Method:
a case study method was employed. An Evaluation of Knowledge form and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment tools were used to identify musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic risks. Three components of the Omaha System were used: Problem Classification Scheme, Intervention Scheme and Problem Rating Scale for Outcomes.
Results:
eight signs/symptoms related to four problems were identified from three domains: environmental (neighbourhood/workplace safety), physiological (pain and neuro-musculoskeletal function), and health-related behaviours (physical activity and healthcare supervision). Interventions were mapped to Omaha System terms, and nursing outcomes were evaluated.
Conclusion:
this study presented an example of using the Omaha System in occupational health nursing practice. The Omaha System can be used effectively to identify musculoskeletal problems and related factors of ICU nurses in a standardised and computerised concept. Use of this system could aid prevention of occupational musculoskeletal problems in ICU nurses.
Occupational musculoskeletal symptoms are very common among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. ICU nurses must provide care to their patients while managing physically demanding and complex tasks because of the nature of their work (Ulrich et al, 2014). A study of a stratified sample of 323 nurses working in the ICUs of 17 public, private, and university hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey, reported a 96% prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (Sezgin and Esin, 2015). Musculoskeletal symptoms in ICU nurses are related to:
Occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms in ICU nurses leads to increased absenteeism, a higher risk of burnout, decreased quality of life, and lower job satisfaction (Türkmen et al, 2016; Ulrich et al, 2014; Shidhaye et al, 2011). Moreover, it affects the quality of care provided in the ICUs (Endacott, 2012). Considering the high level ergonomic risks in ICU settings and the link with negative health outcomes, there is a need for interventions aiming at reducing musculoskeletal symptoms in ICU nurses. This would not only aid in reducing absenteeism and the risk of burnout among ICU nurses, but also promote their health and wellbeing (Sezgin and Esin, 2015).
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting British Journal of Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Limited access to clinical or professional articles
-
Unlimited access to the latest news, blogs and video content