Back Injury Among Healthcare Workers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently calculated nearly 60,000 musculoskeletal injuries to healthcare workers resulting from heavy lifting during attempts to move patients. Often the nurses, aides, orderlies, and attendants who suffered permanent injuries were forced out of the profession, straining an already inadequate pool of workers and

Hospitals and nursing homes are responding to changes in the health care system by modifying staffing levels and the mix of nursing personnel. But do these changes endanger the quality of patient care? Do nursing staff suffer increased rates of injury, illness, or stress because of changing workplace demands? These questions are addressed in Nursing Staff in Hospitals and Nursing Homes, a thorough and authoritative look at today's health care system that also takes a long-term view of staffing needs for nursing as the nation moves into the next century. The committee draws fundamental conclusions about the evolving role of nurses in hospitals and nursing homes and presents recommendations about staffing decisions, nursing training, measurement of quality, reimbursement, and other areas. The volume also discusses work-related injuries, violence toward and abuse of nursing staffs, and stress among nursing personnelâ€"and examines whether these problems are related to staffing levels. Included is a readable overview of the underlying trends in health care that have given rise to urgent questions about nurse staffing: population changes, budget pressures, and the introduction of new technologies. Nursing Staff in Hospitals and Nursing Homes provides a straightforward examination of complex and sensitive issues surround the role and value of nursing on our health care system.

This volume provides a review of the definition, biomechanics, physiopathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of lumbar segmental instability. The contributors address the controversies surrounding this condition and offer clinicians guidance in choosing appropriate and cost-effective therapy.

Written by world-renowned spine physicians, this volume presents a global view of what is known about neck and back pain. This evidence-based book emphasizes cost-effective diagnosis and treatment. Twenty-one chapters cover topics that range from epidemiology, psychological factors, and work-related influences to surgical and nonsurgical treatments, a review of social security systems, and recommendations.

Did you know that an estimated 12% of nurses leave the profession annually because of back injuries and that over half of RNs complain of chronic back pain? This book presents best practices in safe patient handling and movement. Nurse and hospital administrators, clinicians, clinical managers, risk managers, and those involved in procurement and implementation of patient handling technologies in the health care environment will find this a practical resource for improving care and protecting staff from unnecessary injury. You will come away from reading this book with information that you can employ in a variety of work environments--hospitals, nursing homes, home care, and other health care organizations--whatever your practice setting may be. Caregiver safety approaches include: Evidence-based standards for safe patient movement and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries An overview of available equipment and technology Architectural designs for ergonomically safe patient care space Institutional policies, such as use of lift teams

It's here: the latest edition of the one text you need to master assistive strategies, make confident clinical decisions, and help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Based on the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model, Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice, 4th Edition provides detailed coverage of the broad range of devices, services, and practices that comprise assistive technology, and focuses on the relationship between the human user and the assisted activity within specific contexts. Updated and expanded, this new edition features coverage of new ethical issues, more explicit applications of the HAAT model, and a variety of global issues highlighting technology applications and service delivery in developing countries. Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) framework demonstrates assistive technology within common, everyday contexts for more relevant application. Focus on clinical application guides you in applying concepts to real-world situations. Review questions and chapter summaries in each chapter help you assess your understanding and identify areas where more study is needed. Content on the impact of AT on children and the role of AT in play and education for children with disabilities demonstrates how AT can be used for early intervention and to enhance development. Coverage of changing AT needs throughout the lifespan emphasizes how AT fits into people's lives and contributes to their full participation in society. Principles and practice of assistive technology provides the foundation for effective decision-making. NEW! Global issues content broadens the focus of application beyond North America to include technology applications and service delivery in developing countries. NEW! Ethical issues and occupational justice content exposes you to vital information as you start interacting with clients. NEW! More case studies added throughout the text foster an understanding of how assistive technologies are used and how they function. NEW! Updated content reflects current technology and helps keep you current. NEW! Explicit applications of the HAAT model in each of the chapters on specific technologies and more emphasis on the interactions among the elements make content even easier to understand.