Application of MSD prevention practices by nursing staff working in healthcare settings

The objective of this article is to examine the application of MSD prevention practices among nursing staff and to identify organizational factors that may or may not support their application. We measured the application of prevention practices and its determinants by means of a questionnaire filled out by 399 nurses and nursing staff in Canada. A qualitative component was conducted with two focus groups in order to validate and enrich the interpretation of the survey results. Results show that most respondents “often” (4) apply MSD prevention practices in their daily professional tasks. Significant differences were observed based on position, mission of the institution, degree, and training. The characteristics of the nursing staff (position, training, etc.) and the specificities of the setting must be taken into consideration in MSD prevention interventions for nursing staff. •Basic training has limits, especially for incongruence with the reality of nursing work.•Organization must create work environments that allow nursing staff to better apply MSD prevention practices.•The characteristics of the nursing staff must be taken into consideration in MSD prevention interventions.