Affiliations: [a] Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| [b] Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| [c] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Ehsan Garosi, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 6446, Tehran 14155, I.R. Iran. Tel.: +989122822013; Fax: +982188951390; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Due to their physically and mentally demanding job, nurses are exposed to high risk of fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders, through which their work ability could be adversely affected. OBJECTIVE:This study aims to identify factors influencing nurses’ work ability by using a macroergonomic model. METHODS:Descriptive and qualitative analyses were carried out in two phases of the study. First, 41 nurses of the cardiac intensive care unit in a military hospital in Iran filled in the work ability questionnaire (WAI). In the second phase, in order to identify factors influencing work ability of the nurses, a semi-structural interview within the framework of the System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model was conducted. Consequently, data were analysed and compared by multiple experts using directed content analysis method. RESULTS:The mean work ability of the nurses was 40.01±4.05 (good work ability). 22 themes were identified through the directed content analysis and they were classified in 5 categories of the SEIPS model including environment, tools and technology, task, person, and organization. CONCLUSIONS:Using a macroergonomic approach proved to be valuable in identifying factors influencing work ability of nurses. These factors should be considered by managers and HFE practitioners designing intervention programs to improve nurses’ work ability.
Keywords: Work ability, macroergonomics, nurses, SEIPS model
