A Study on the Subjective Musculoskeletal Symptoms Associated with Tasks of Operating Room Nurses

Park, Hyeon Hee; Yi, Ggodme

Abstract

PURPOSE
To find the factors of subjective musculoskeletal symptoms associated with the general characteristics and tasks of operating room nurses (OR nurses) and then to use the factors as basic information for preventing and managing musculoskeletal symptoms in OR nurses. METHOD: This study was an exploratory research. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire from OR nurses working at 8 polyclinics in Korea during the period from July 26 2004 to August 19 2004. The questionnaire contains 7 questions on general characteristics and 18 questions on tasks in the operating room. RESULT: 187 (75.1%) nurses said they 'had' subjective musculoskeletal symptoms. Statistically significant differences were observed according to clinical career, career as an OR nurse, skillfulness, satisfaction with tasks in the operating room, perception on suitable treatment, care of symptoms by the hospital. weight of hospital linen and weight of a basic operation set (p<.05).
CONCLUSION
Musculoskeletal symptoms complained of by OR nurses were significant. This may cause difficulties in nursing tasks in the operating room. Thus, various arrangements should be made for OR nurse with subjective musculoskeletal symptoms at the early stage.