A comparative study of back pain, task-load and presenteeism in nursing homes.

PURPOSE: This study utilises cluster-randomized, single-blind, controlled pretest-posttest design to verify the effects of an intervention comprising patient mobility tools on nursing care workers' back pain, task load, and presenteeism.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 2 nursing facilities in G do, involving 40 nursing care workers (the experimental group) who used patient mobility tools and 40 nursing workers (the control group) who provided general nursing care without using patient mobility tools.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed over time in back pain (F = 14.06, p < 0.001), task load (F = 5.91, p = 0.004), and perceived productivity (F = 41.17, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It can be inferred that patient mobility tools appear to reduce back pain and workload for nursing staff while increasing productivity and advancing the quality of patient care. At the institutional level, the adoption of patient mobility tools may further serve as a strategic measure to reduce staff burden, improve workforce retention, and ensure the sustainability of high-quality care delivery.