Biomechanics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Biomechanics, including details on mechanics of living organisms, movement, locomotion, prosthetic limbs.

Justification for a minimal lift program in critical care.

Garg A, Milholland S, Deckow-Schaefer G, Kapellusch JM

Center for Ergonomics Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 784, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA. arun@uwm.edu

This chapter reviews literature pertaining to patient-handling tasks spanning the areas of epidemiology, biomechanics, perceived stresses, education and training programs, and introduction of mechanical patient lifting devices. All findings agree that patient handling is inherently dangerous and has been attributed to the majority of injuries incurred by nursing personnel; however, most studies have been performed in hospitals or long term care settings, but have not been specific to the area of critical care. The critical care environment poses unique challenges for nursing personnel and therefore, to ergonomists.

Published 21 May 2007 in Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am, 19(2): 187-96.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Biomechanics Research Today. All Rights Reserved.