Ergonomic risk assessment methods for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are prevalent among healthcare professionals due to the physically demanding nature of their work environments. These disorders increase costs associated with workers’ compensation claims and healthcare services, reduce productivity, and negatively impact the quality of life for affected workers. Therefore, proper ergonomic risk assessment tools are vital for monitoring and preventing WMSDs among healthcare professionals. Method: This study provides a comprehensive overview of ergonomic risk assessment techniques used among healthcare workers. Following an extensive search, 31 studies published in English from 2014 to 2024 were identified. Results: With growing awareness of ergonomic risks in healthcare settings, research has explored various assessment methods to understand and mitigate these risks among healthcare workers across different disciplines. This finding highlights the significant role of self-reported and observation-based methods, despite potential subjective biases. Despite their challenges and underutilization, direct measurement methods have demonstrated substantial potential for enhancing ergonomic assessments when appropriately adapted to healthcare environments. Conclusions and practical applications: In future research, a longitudinal study design incorporating ergonomic risk assessment tools and hybrid methodologies integrating simulated settings with real-world observations should be employed to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of ergonomic risks among healthcare professionals. This approach would contribute to the development of effective interventions aimed at mitigating WMSDs.