Using the Health Belief Model to Understand Manual Handling Injuries

Research demonstrates training is ineffective in the long-term reduction of manual handling injuries. Although risk identification and problem solving have been included in training sessions, their efficacy is unknown. It was hypothesized that clinicians may identify risk and practice problem solving, yet make unsafe decisions. The purpose of this study was to explore manual handling decisions made by nurses within the framework of the Health Belief Model. Five focus groups were conducted with nurses in clinical roles in Western Australia. Data revealed a limited perception of the health threat posed by manual handling and identified 3 problems: too many barriers to practice safely, manual handling not made the priority, and higher priority given to time management and work completion than to safety. A model demonstrated essential environmental elements for safe manual handling practice, and the findings provide an explanation for manual handling practice and injuries.
Adams J