Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Human Factors
Date Submitted: Nov 7, 2024
Date Accepted: Apr 15, 2025
Effectiveness of Participatory Ergonomic Interventions on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Sick Absenteeism and Work Performance Among Nurses: A Systematic Review
ABSTRACT
Background:
MSDs comprise several degenerative and inflammatory conditions affecting the joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, peripheral nerves, and supporting blood vessels, leading to soreness and physical discomfort. Nurses face a higher risk of developing WMSDs given their primary roles in patient care. While several studies have attempted using participatory ergonomic interventions to reduce the incidence of WMSDs, their effectiveness in preventing these common disorders are not fully understood.
Objective:
This systematic review assessed the various ergonomic interventions adopted in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and related outcomes, namely, sick absenteeism, work productivity, and psychological health in nurses.
Methods:
A detailed literature search was performed in four electronic databases; PUBMED, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PsycNet guided by the PRISMA guidelines to retrieve relevant articles published between 2017 and 2022. The results were checked for eligibility criteria, followed by performing quality appraisal and data synthesis.
Results:
A total of 21 articles were included in the final analysis. Most studies combined two or more interventions and the commonest were educational ergonomics, training patient-handling devices, and physical exercise. Only a few studies entailed organizational management, acquired ergonomics equipment, and handling protocols or algorithms. While many studies reported the positive effects of these interventions in preventing and managing WMSDs, there is little evidence to support their effectiveness in addressing sickness leaves, work productivity, and psychological health.
Conclusions:
A combination of ergonomics and theoretical education appears to be an effective approach to managing MSDs among nurses. Future research might consider exploring the link between prevention policies and organizational measures with participatory ergonomics, physical exercises, and other programs aimed at addressing the multifactorial nature of WMSDs and the related outcomes.
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