# Development and evaluation of a participatory ergonomic intervention for the reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses

## TL;DR

A participatory ergonomic intervention reduced musculoskeletal symptoms in nurses but had limited effects on absenteeism and work performance.

## Contribution

A multicomponent ergonomic training module was developed and evaluated for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in nurses.

## Key findings

- The intervention reduced self-reported neck, low back, and shoulder pain among nurses.
- Effects on absenteeism and presenteeism were only observed after adjusted analyses.
- The intervention shows promise for reducing WMSDs but needs further study for long-term impact.

## Abstract

Nurses are highly vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). This study evaluated the effects of a participatory ergonomic intervention on WMSD, sick absenteeism, and work performance among ward nurses. A multicomponent ergonomic training module, comprising educational ergonomics, health promotional activities, workstation adjustment, use of patient-assisted devices, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques, was developed based on a systematic review, focus group discussion, and discussion with ergonomic experts. A cluster quasi-experimental design was conducted, with nurses allocated into intervention (n = 45) and control (n = 30) groups, and follow-up across baseline, first, third-, and sixth-months post-intervention. The outcomes were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal and Health and Work Performance Questionnaires. The intervention module was effective in reducing self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses across time, particularly neck pain [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21–0.87], low back pain (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.21–0.97), and shoulder pain (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.17–0.88). However, the effects on relative absenteeism and relative presenteeism were only observed following adjusted analyses. While the ergonomic intervention was effective in reducing specific WMSDs among ward nurses, more research is required to delineate its potential application as a long-term strategy for addressing sick absenteeism and work performance.