The work of nursing staff is physically demanding – that is common knowledge. During the Corona pandemic, the workload in hospitals and care facilities intensified even more. Apart from shift work and psychological challenges, incorrect posture can also have a negative impact on the health of nursing staff. This is the conclusion of the BiBB/BAuA survey of employed persons conducted in 2006, 2012 and 2018. According to the survey, nurses and geriatric care workers particularly often work in a standing or kneeling, stooped posture. Lifting and carrying heavy loads is an additional burden.
The consequence: back and neck pain. 64 percent of the nurses and geriatric nurses surveyed complain of pain in the lower back – in other professions, the figure is significantly lower at 44 percent. And pain in the neck and shoulder area, in the hip and in the knees also occurs more frequently among nursing staff than in comparison groups.
Relief for nursing staff through electric drives
A recent study conducted by the Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege (BGW) in cooperation with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) shows possible solutions. One key finding is that the right working height, for example for basic bedside care, has a decisive influence on the physical health of caregivers. As bed height increases, they can work in an upright position for longer, thus relieving strain on their backs. The ideal setting is at groin height. Study participants perceived less physical exertion the more time they spent in an upright position.
Healthcare employers can significantly reduce the strain on their employees with electrically adjustable beds. They can be quietly, comfortably and safely adjusted to the desired position. In this way, they not only increase comfort for patients, but also for caregivers. wissner-bosserhoff supports this by means of modern drive technology from DEWERT for adjusting the application. DEWERT is a globally active specialist for drive and system technology in the medical sector. The MEGAMAT single drive, for example, allows height adjustment, while double drives such as the DUOMAT allow head and foot section adjustment. The drives thus improve the working conditions of an entire occupational group.
