Musculoskeletal Disorders among Nurses: a systematic literature review

Abstract

This systematic literature review aims to explore the impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) on nurses and identify effective strategies for their prevention and management. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. EBSCOHost (CINAHL) and PubMed databases were systematically searched. After an initial search yielded 211 studies, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The review highlighted lower back pain as a major impact of MSDs among nurses, with a high prevalence observed across the studies. Additionally, MSDs were found to contribute to stress, work-family conflict, and decreased quality of life, affecting mental well-being. Effective interventions included educational programs, ergonomic equipment (belts), acupressure, circadian rhythm stability, coping strategies, and multi-component interventions. Education programs, particularly those incorporating ergonomic training, patient handling techniques, and posture awareness, were mostly identified in the review as effective in reducing MSD prevalence. This review demonstrates the importance of addressing MSDs as a critical health and safety issue for nurses, highlighting the need for proactive intervention strategies. The lack of strong evidence supporting a single, definitive prevention strategy emphasizes the need for more robust research. Collaborative efforts among nurses, healthcare administrators, and other healthcare professionals are crucial in addressing MSDs from a multidisciplinary perspective, prioritizing worker health and wellbeing.