Musculoskeletal disorders in nurses: hospital versus homecare

It's intended to make a comparison between hospital nurses and homecare nurses, regarding the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A study with homecare nurses carried out by the authors constitutes the basis for the comparison. In it was developed a questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). Was also applied the REBA technique (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) to evaluate the MSDs risk of in homecare nurses. Were found high prevalence rates of MSCs, especially for regions cervical and back. For most activities analyzed by REBA technique the MSD risk associated was medium, but for some of them was high. We compare these results and also the work conditions we found, with results of other authors. No significant differences were found with exception of the working conditions that in general are worse in home context. This may contribute for a higher risk of MSDs in nurses that provide homecare. Key-words MSDs, Nurses, Homecare, Hospital, Risk Assessment