Acceptability and Feasibility of a Safe Patient Handling Musculo-Skeletal Injury Prevention Smartphone Application for Community Healthcare Workers (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Alfred S. Y. , Burrell Sarah , Courtnall Sandy , Wake Shelly , Rhodes Ryan E. 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Safe patient handling is critical for reducing musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers, yet community healthcare workers often face barriers such as limited access to training and real-time resources. This study had two objectives: (1) to identify unmet safe patient handling needs among community healthcare workers and (2) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the SPH MSIP APP (Safe Patient Handling Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention APP), a purpose-built smartphone application designed to support safe patient handling practices. These objectives were addressed through a three-phase approach.

OBJECTIVE

This study had two objectives: (1) to identify unmet safe patient handling needs among community healthcare workers and (2) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the SPH MSIP APP (Safe Patient Handling Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention APP), a purpose-built smartphone application designed to support safe patient handling practices. These objectives were addressed through a three-phase approach.

METHODS

A three-phase participatory study was conducted. Phase 1 identified unmet safe patient handling needs through participatory meetings with six community healthcare workers, aligning with Objective 1. Phase 2 involved developing the SPH MSIP APP using co-design methods, integrating user feedback to address challenges such as guidance for high-risk tasks and intuitive design, also addressing Objective 1. Phase 3 evaluated the app’s feasibility and acceptability, aligning with Objective 2. The study recruited 28 participants who used the app for one month. A single-group mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating quantitative metrics such as recruitment (≥50%), retention (≥75%), and satisfaction (mean score ≥4). Qualitative feedback was gathered through small-group interviews to understand usability, usefulness, and integration into workflows.

RESULTS

In Phase 1, community healthcare workers identified barriers including limited safe patient handling refresher training, and isolation during tasks. In Phase 2, the app was developed to address these safe patient handling needs, incorporating features like scenario-specific guidance for high-risk tasks. In Phase 3, the app exceeded success criteria for recruitment, retention, and satisfaction, with participants highlighting its usefulness, usability, and adoption. Qualitative feedback emphasized the app’s practical value as a real-time resource, particularly its step-by-step guidance and user-friendly design.

CONCLUSIONS

This study met its objectives, highlighting SPH MSIP APP’s potential to address community healthcare workers’ unmet safe patient handling needs and improve support in real-time patient handling scenarios. While the findings suggest strong feasibility and acceptability, future research should focus on large-scale, extended effectiveness trials to evaluate the app’s impact on reducing musculoskeletal injury rates and improving patient care outcomes.