Summary
Nursing care involves complex patient handling tasks, resulting in high musculoskeletal
injury rates. Epidemiological studies from the 1980s estimated a lifetime prevalence
of lower back injuries for nurses between 35 and 80%. National and international studies
continue to mirror these findings. Despite the development of programs intended to
reduce manual handling injuries, sustainable solutions remain elusive.
This paper reports on a study of nurses speaking about their perspectives on current
manual handling practices. Qualitative research conducted in 2012 investigated nurses’
perceptions and experiences relating to manual handling in the healthcare context
and their participation in injury prevention programs. There were two research methods:
semi-structured interviews and researcher reflective journaling. The research was
framed in critical emancipatory methodology. Thirteen nurses from two Australian states
participated in the study.
Thematic analysis revealed an overarching theme of ‘power relations’ with a subcategory
of ‘(mis)power’ that comprised two subthemes, these being ‘how to practice’ and ‘voicing
practice issues’.
Specifically, this paper explores nurses verbalising their views in the workplace
and responses which left them feeling silenced, punished and disillusioned. The findings
suggest that the socio-political context within which nurses practice impacts upon
their ability to voice concerns or ideas related to manual handling. Inclusion of
nurses in the manual handling dialogue may generate an expanded understanding of,
and the potential to transform, manual handling practices in healthcare environments.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 12, 2013
Accepted:
November 17,
2013
Received in revised form:
November 6,
2013
Received:
September 9,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
