Aims: This study evaluates the influence of individual and organisational factors on nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices in healthcare. Methods: Interviews among nurses were conducted to collect individual characteristics and to establish their behaviour regarding lifting devices use. Organisational factors were collected by questionnaires and walk-through-surveys, comprising technical facilities, organisation of care, and management-efforts. Generalised-Estimating-Equations for repeated measurements were used to estimate determinants of nurses' behaviour. Results: Important determinants of nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices were knowledge of workplace procedures (OR = 5.85), strict guidance on required lifting devices use (OR = 2.91), and sufficient lifting devices (OR = 1.92). Management-support and supportive-management-climate were associated with these determinants. Conclusion: Since nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices is influenced by factors at different levels, studies in ergonomics should consider how multi-level factors impact each other. An integral approach, addressing individual and organisational levels, is necessary to facilitate appropriate implementation of ergonomic interventions, like lifting devices.

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doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2012.11.005, hdl.handle.net/1765/74264
Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Koppelaar, E., Knibbe, J. J., Miedema, H., & Burdorf, A. (2013). The influence of individual and organisational factors on nurses' behaviour to use lifting devices in healthcare. Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society, 44(4), 532–537. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2012.11.005