Use of Resident Handling Equipment by Nursing Aides in Long-Term Care: Associations with Work Organization and Individual Level Characteristics

Low back pain is prevalent among nursing home personnel. Safe resident handling programs (SRHP) reduce injuries and costs. Previously, we reported variability in effectiveness and sought to identify reasons for differences among workers in resident handling equipment (RHE) use. In 8 nursing homes, nursing aides’ (NAs) frequency of RHE use and reasons for inconsistent use were assessed by questionnaire up to 4 times after SRHP implementation. Ordered multinomial models examined correlates of RHE-usage frequency. At least two-thirds of NAs reported “often” or “always” lift use. Higher RHE use was related to higher SRHP commitment, higher prior SRHP expectations, older age, higher health self-efficacy, and lower supervisor support. “Device not available when needed” and “residents dislike” were major reasons consistently cited for not using RHE. While this program has been effective, attention to device availability, education of residents and family members on SRHP importance, and worker empowerment might increase usage further.

Kurowski A, Gore R, Mpolla N, Punnett L

Keywords: safe resident handling, equipment use, nursing aides