Evaluation of a 3 year education and training program. For nursing personnel at a Swedish hospital.

An education and training program comprising 1) patient transfer technique, 2) physical fitness exercise, and 3) stress management was conducted during 3 consecutive years at a Swedish hospital. The present study was based on data from four sets of questionnaires, distributed to 348 female nursing personnel who participated in the entire program. The aim of the study was to evaluate the program. It was evident from the questionnaires that 90% of the subjects were positive about participating in the program and 88% expected that participation would lead to decreased musculoskeletal disorders. However, no decrease in the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the study time period was observed. One year after the cessation of the program, 93% of all nurses reported they mostly or always used the new patient transfer technique and 99% considered it to be useful.