by Shane Henson — December 13, 2013—Clinicians and nurses are highly vulnerable to work injuries, causing them to miss shifts or alter their activities while on the job, although they are more concerned for their patients’ safety than their own, according to a new survey released earlier this week by Nurture, a Steelcase brand dedicated to providing user-centered solutions in healthcare.
Through the survey, and in speaking with staff within their own buildings, healthcare facilities managers can learn how to make the work environment safer for clinicians and nurses as well as to support them in their key role of shaping a positive experience for patients and their families in today’s prevention- and wellness-focused healthcare environment.
For example, according to the survey, while half of clinicians and nurses feel their work environment is supportive in preventing discomfort, injury or pain, the most desired change they want out of their work environment centers around updating equipment and furniture (25%), followed by rearranging the physical space to be better aligned with patient needs (23%).
In regard to injuries on the job, the bulk of injuries are due to patient transfers, where one in three clinicians and nurses have experienced an injury in moving patients from bed to chair. Nearly half (47%) of those surveyed perform patient transfers more than once a week. While a vast majority reports a low to moderate level of fear/concern around their jobs, risk of patient injury (31%) is a greater concern among surveyed clinicians and nurses than risk of personal injury (20%).
However, the survey found that 35% of clinicians and nurses report being injured at least once on the job, while 24% had to modify activity or movement during at least one shift. Back injury is the greatest perceived risk for patient caregivers, followed by neck injury. To maintain their health and safety on the job, most clinicians and nurses rely on help from colleagues (74%) or choose to stay fit (65%).
Regardless of work injuries, the vast majority (85%) of healthcare workers say interacting with patients and helping them get better are the most enjoyable aspects of their job.
The research also identifies the measures clinicians and nurses take to maintain their health and safety while they are caring for patients. Since 80% of patient falls reportedly occur in the patient’s room, Nurture recommends its Empath patient recliner as one component of a healthcare safety program to help reduce both caregiver and patient injuries.
