Evaluación de los riesgos ergonómicos que afectan el desempeño laboral del personal de enfermería en el área de emergencia del Hospital de Especialidades Teodoro Maldonado Carbo.

Abstract

Context: Ergonomic risks are related to awkward postures, patient handling, continuous use of equipment, space limitations, and unfavorable environmental conditions—factors that can increase physical exertion and affect job performance. Objective: To describe the ergonomic risks in the work environment that affect the performance of nursing staff in the emergency department Methodological design: Quantitative, descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional study. Population: 105 members of the emergency department nursing staff. Technique: Survey. Instrument: Workplace Ergonomics Scale for Nurses of the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Specialty Hospital. Results: 43 Of the participants, 43% were between 25 and 34 years old, 77% were women, 62% held a nursing degree, and 63% had between one and five years of experience. 51% reported less favorable ergonomic conditions. Furthermore, 54% disagreed that the area's layout facilitated safe patient care, 49% cited space limitations, and 46% indicated difficulty changing position. Regarding equipment, 43% felt that the stretchers did not allow for comfortable patient transfer. Concerning the environment, 43% indicated that the noise made it impossible to work normally. Conclusion: The majority of nursing staff in the emergency department experienced less favorable ergonomic conditions, associated with deficiencies in space, equipment, and the environment, increasing physical exertion and hindering safe and efficient performance.