Clinical trial NCT05834959: Implementation of a Fitness Education and Training Program to Support Safe Patient Handling and Safe Lifting
Official title: Implementation of a Fitness Education and Training Program to Support Safe Patient Handling and Safe Lifting in a Community Based Hospital (The Fit for Work Project)
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Lower Back Injury
Keywords: Safe Patient Handling
Safe Lifting
Injury Prevention.
Program Outcome Evaluation
Lead sponsor: University of Manitoba
Sponsor class: OTHER
Collaborators: name: The Wellness Institute Powered by Seven Oaks General Hospital
name: Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba
name: Seven Oaks General Hospital
First posted: 2023-04-28
Enrollment: 55
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: NA
Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP
Intervention model description: A two-part education and practical program designed to evaluate the effects of training on movement confidence, low back dysfunction and changes in rates of lower back injury. SPSS software will be used to analyze mean differences between self-report questionnaire scores regarding low back pain/dysfunction at baseline and post-program using paired t-tests (p\<0.05). Paired t-tests will be used to determine if there is a statistical difference in back injury rates at Seven Oaks Hospital one year post-program, compared to previous years. The results of the post-program survey will be summarized using descriptive statistics. Information from baseline movement confidence questionnaires will also be summarized using descriptive statistics and compared pre and post programming.

\*Note: Before t-test analyses is performed the distribution of scores will be checked to determine if they are normal. If not, non-parametric tests equivalent to paired t-tests will be used.
Primary purpose: PREVENTION

Brief summary: This project involves the delivery of education and training sessions to Seven Oaks General Hospital (SOGH) staff, with the goal of workplace injury prevention. Education will include review of provincial safe patient handling and back injury prevention guidelines and review of core fitness competencies required to comply with injury prevention standards. Training sessions will include exercises to improve core, gluteal and quadricep strength, hip/knee mobility and hamstring flexibility. Training will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on functional movement performance. Outcomes will include questionnaires on: low back pain/dysfunction; movement confidence; work injury rates and participant satisfaction with program. The project will advise stakeholders of the benefits and challenges associated with implementation of a fitness program to support safe patient handling techniques, as outlined in the provincial guidelines for healthcare workers.

Detailed description: The Fit for Work Project is an educational and training program outcome evaluation. It is a two-part education and practical program designed to evaluate the effects of training on movement confidence, low back dysfunction and changes in rates of lower back injury. In the first part, participants will attend the education session developed by physiotherapists who specialize in return to work programs. In the second part participants will participate in a 4-week practical program, where they will stretch, lengthen and strengthen key muscles used in squatting, weight shifting and the hip hinge movement. Feedback and movement coaching are an important element in performing and mastering these movements correctly and this workplace wellness training program will provide staff the support needed.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female, age 18 years or older
* Staff of Seven Oaks General Hospital during the time of the program
* Able to communicate in English and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* An acute injury, a medical condition, or other personal reason inhibiting participation in all 4 weeks of exercise training sessions

Primary outcomes:
measure: Change from baseline in staff confidence in performing the core fitness competencies required to abide by safe patient handling, safe lifting and back injury prevention guidelines
timeFrame: At the beginning of the program (baseline), at week 4 (the end of the 4-week training program), and one year after completion of the training program
measure: Change from baseline in severity of low back pain and/or dysfunction
timeFrame: At the beginning of the program (baseline), at week 4 (the end of the 4-week training program), and one year after completion of the training program
measure: Change from baseline in severity of low back pain and/or dysfunction
timeFrame: At the beginning of the program (baseline), at week 4 (the end of the 4-week training program), and one year after completion of the training program
measure: Change from baseline in incidence of back injuries
timeFrame: At the beginning of the program (baseline), and 1 year after completion of the 4-week training program
measure: Change from baseline in frequency of back injuries
timeFrame: At the beginning of the program (baseline), and 1 year after completion of the 4-week training program
measure: Change from baseline in time loss cost of back injuries
timeFrame: At the beginning of the program (baseline), and 1 year after completion of the 4-week training program
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Benefits and challenges associated with implementation of a fitness program to support safe patient handling and safe lifting techniques, as outlined in the provincial and regional guidelines for healthcare workers
timeFrame: Collected at week 4 (at the end of the 4-week training program)
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Winnipeg
country: Canada
facility: The Wellness Institute
state: Manitoba
Study officials:
affiliation: The Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital
name: Shelley Sargent, BMRPT MSc
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References: