Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Patient Handling Tasks Using MAPO and 3DSSPP Methods

Staff responsible for transporting patients to the hospital are at risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, this study was performed using the MAPO method and 3DSSPP software to estimate the mechanical load on the waist of staff carrying the patient.

In the first stage, the hospital wards and the number of personnel who transferred patients manually were identified and evaluated with the MAPO index. 3DSSPP software was used to identify and evaluate the risk factors causing back injuries in personnel. The results were analyzed using SPSS (version 26) and descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and correlation tests.

Participants consisted of 24 people, including 21 men and 3 women, with a mean age of 35.6 years. According to the results of 3DSSPP software, in 37.5% of people, the estimated ligament damage was more than the allowable limit. The compressive force on the L4/L5 and L5/S1 vertebral discs was higher than the allowable limit in 58.3% and 62.5% of subjects, respectively. Based on Pearson's statistical test, there was a significant correlation between the results of MAPO and 3DSSPP methods.

To reduce and minimize the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, it is necessary to eliminate the factors affecting the patient's mobility, such as assistive devices and equipment, environmental factors, improved education, and the factors affecting the disorders. The MAPO method was an effective way to plan preventive measures to reduce the risk of disorders, and 3DSSPP software was also a good tool for examining the forces acting on the waist.