Manual handing and back pain in anaesthetists: from AAGBI guidelines to bespoke course

Abstract

Obesity has become more common in the last decade with increasing numbers of obese patients presenting for surgery. The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) published guidelines in 2007 relating to the physical and medical management of obese patients. One of the key steps suggested was staff training in manual handling, covering the physical management of the morbidly obese patient. In recent years very few doctors have attended the manual handling courses provided by the Trust. We conducted an audit, by means of an interview of members of the department to assess: the perceived need for training; those who had previously attended formal training; those who considered themselves to suffer from back problems. The audit standard, as recommended by the AAGBI and as stipulated in Trust policy, was for 100% of staff to have attended formal training. Forty-eight interviews were conducted in total. There were no members of staff off on long term sick during the interview period. Interviewees: consultants 22, SpR 12, SHO 14. 6/48 had received formal training in the past. two consultants recently in Swansea; one consultant 10 years ago in another Trust; one consultant when doing a plumbing course; one SHO when working in nursing; one SHO as part of induction in another Trust. Many had not attended because they had not been offered a place or weren’t sure it was needed. 39/48 didn’t know there was a Trust policy relating to manual handling. 23/48 considered themselves to have back problems (13 work related). 3/48 had required time off work with back problems. Our impression was that there is: generalised ignorance about manual handling among anaesthetists; the nature of the problem is not appreciated (in particular the difference between static and dynamic loads); ergonomics of the anaesthetic rooms required attention. This audit has achieved heightened awareness of these issues in the departments. A specific one-day course for anaesthetists has been devised and started. It is proving popular and has become part of the induction programme. To date over 30 anaesthetists have received training this year. We have received positive feedback from course delegates. Dr William McFadzean, consultant anaesthetist, Mr Martin Thomas, Health and Safety Department, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust.