Ergonomic Restrictions Due to Inadequate Facilities for Nursing

Abstract

A survey was carried out to evaluate the restrictions placed on ergonomic patient handling by inadequate facilities and technical equipment in Finnish health centre wards. Lack of space in patient rooms and toilets constituted the biggest problem observed. Inadequate equipment was common. In most wards there were 1/2 to 1/3 of the beds adjustable in height. Half of the wards had assistive devices sufficiently, but they were not used on a regular bases.