Nurse's Work Related Back Pain in the U. S.

미국 간호사의 직업성 요통

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the current status of work-related back pain among nurses in the U.S. Method: Literature review and website searching were conducted. Key words as 'nurse and back pain (or back injury)' were used in searching the Medline, NIOSHTIC-2and reference list of selected studies. Total studies were selected of which subjects were nurses working in the U.S., and published since 1970. Results: Though there was variation in the measurement among studies, the prevalence rate of back pain among nurses in the U.S. could be estimated about 50%. Risk factors were confirmed as the frequency of patient lifting, ward, nursing shortage, overtime, work shift, stress on physical demand, but age and work experiences showed the inconsistent relation. It has been well known that educational approach is not enough to prevent back pain. Intervention studies to apply the ergonomic approach using mechanical devices reported the effects, but the devices were less diverse than European countries or Canada. The study for lifting team was rare. Federal government developed only the guideline for nursing home that had no legal obligation. As a professional nursing organization, ANA has been trying to educate and advocate for "No lift policy" since 2003. Meanwhile, two trade unions of nurses made efforts to establish the law strengthening the responsibility of health care facilities. Conclusion: The research and policy development will be needed to prepare to rapid increase of back pain among Korean nurses.