Work related musculoskeletal risks associated with the care, treatment and transportation of bariatric patients: A review

The physical involvement required to care for a bariatric (severely obese) patient is a complex and dangerous order for a health care worker. Obesity rates have significantly increased in the United States, but there has been a lack of bariatric research on the effectiveness of ergonomic intervention for handling a patient of extreme weight and size, as well as on the utilization of equipment. As the number of bariatric healthcare patients rises, so does the risk for those who manually handle these patients – specifically an increased risk in work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). A literature review study was conducted to better understand what contributes to effectiveness of ergonomic intervention in the interaction between the bariatric patient and the healthcare worker regarding musculoskeletal risks associated with the care, treatment, and transportation of bariatric patients. Four hazard/risk areas were identified included: bariatric patient handling equipment, work environment, rules and procedures, and education and training. The literature supports the use of equipment to aid the healthcare worker in lifting and transferring bariatric patients. However, there are significant barriers that need to be addressed in order to reduce musculoskeletal injuries in healthcare workers handling bariatric patients.