Abstract

This study is developed and validated a computerized system for the collection and analysis of data concerning accidents suffered by hospital personnel, particularly accidents involving the back and resulting from patient-handling. The three principal objectives of the project were the improvement and standardization of hospital accident data collection, the identification of typical accident scenarios, and the development of a practical accident prevention guide for hospital staff.

Software was developed on the basis of previous ergonomic analyses of nursing work, and of accident data from two hospitals. Using the data from these studies, a post-accident questionnaire was developed for use in hospitals, and the most appropriate type of analysis identified. The prototype developed will be implemented on a trial basis in three hospitals for one year, and validated, before being distributed on a large scale.