Abstract
Objective: To develop a BARAW (By Avoiding Repetitive motions, Awkward postures and Weights) tool which can be applied to assess and improve the musculoskeletal discomfort and pain associated with nursing service workers. Background: Most of existing MSDs assessment tools were developed to investigate the repetitive works commonly found in manufacturing industry. A new approach is needed to assess such non-repetitive works as those done by nurses. Method: As the first step of developing BARAW tools, we investigated the existing assessment tools and guidelines for nurses. And then, BARAW tools were developed based on the results of the expert interview. Based on FGI (Focus group interview) and literature review, a questionnaire was developed to investigate the causes of the musculoskeletal discomfort and pain. Reliability of the questionnaire was tested. Results: The procedure of using the BARAW tool is as follows; 1) finding the cause of discomfort and pain 2) finding possible interventions, 3) implementation of the interventions, 4) evaluation of BARAW's effectiveness, 5) feedback. Very high reliabilities were obtained from the test. Conclusion: It was shown that BARAW tool developed in this research is a readily applicable to the works of nurses. Application: BARAW tool could be extended to other non-repetitive works.