Knowledge-based ergonomic assessment of working conditions in surgical ward – A case study

• Published in: Safety science 2015-01, Vol.71, p.178-188
• Main Author: Bartnicka, Joanna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Assessments; Categories; Energy use; Ergonomics; Expenditures; Hospitals; Integrated assessment; Knowledge base; Knowledge management mechanisms; Musculoskeletal disorders; Surgery; Three dimensional
• ISSN: 0925-7535; 1879-1042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2014.08.010

•Four-stage research methodology for integrated ergonomic assessment.•Outcomes of survey and video/photo recordings of ergonomics in surgical wards.•Performance of competency matrix for analysing ergonomic assessment functionality.•Decision table for supporting selection of ergonomic method.•Management model of integrated ergonomic assessment. This article aims at identifying the mechanisms of knowledge management in the selection and integration of ergonomic methods for the evaluation of working conditions of nursing staff and surgeons in surgical wards. The criterion for choice of given category of work was specified for individual workstation based on the results of empirical research taking into account a case study of trauma and orthopaedics. There were established procedures of ways for integrating methods and tools depending on appointed category of work. In the study there were used such ergonomic methods and evaluation factors as: OWAS, REBA, RULA, NIOSH, monotype tasks, energy expenditure and computing tools: 3D Static Strength Prediction Program 3D SSPP, Energy Expenditure Prediction Program EEPP, Anthropos ErgoMax, CAPTIV L2100. In addition, the tool of competence matrix and decision tables are used to identify the category of work as well as to select an integrated ergonomic assessment. The presented research methodology of ergonomic assessment has been performed along with continuation of works on the development project titled: Knowledge-based shaping of working conditions in health care units, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development in Poland. The aim of the project was to establish a computer system based on ICT technologies for supporting hospital processes, which was called “Virtual hospital”.