The Outcomes of Using an Assistive Device Pad to Turn and Reposition Patients on the Number of Work-Related Injuries and Level of Task Efficiency

Nurses and healthcare workers all around the world turn and reposition patients on an hourly basis. These seemingly small tasks can result in musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. When one nursing staff member is not able to turn a patient on their own, this leads them to call others to help move the patient, halting and delaying the care of other patients. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of an assistive device pad to turn and reposition patients affects the number of musculoskeletal injuries and the quality/efficiency of patient care. This is important because research shows that these injuries can inhibit the quality of care for all patients, decrease number of staff, and lead to low satisfaction ratings for all. Time off from work might be needed/necessary for medical treatment of these injuries, leaving the unit in need of more help. Some studies also suggest a relationship between turning/repositioning patients and increased patient-initiated violence. Collectively, these issues are greatly detrimental to the nursing staff, the hospital, and the patients. Method: Different sizes of turning pads (i.e., small, medium, large, etc.), will be provided to an adult acute/critical care floor. These pads are made with a washable surface and can be used for multiple patients. Staff members on the unit will be split into two groups; half can only use the pads and the other can use anything except the pads. Data will be collected over the span of 3 months and the outcomes/results of whether the use of assistive device pads aid in reducing injuries and increasing task efficiency will be reviewed by observing tasks performed by staff, the amount of reported work-related injuries, and questionnaires given to the staff members