Adaptation strategies for nurses with musculoskeletal pain in hospital work: a systematic review

Objective: to analyze the effectiveness of individual coping strategies and hospital work environment adaptations for nurses with musculoskeletal pain. Method: a systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was performed in six databases, including experimental and pre-experimental studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 (Risk of Bias 2) and ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions) tools. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute model, the Jadad Scale and the Melnyk, Buck and Gallagher-Ford Levels of Evidence. Results: eight studies were included, identifying individual coping strategies such as stretching exercises, auriculotherapy and mindfulness. Workplace-based strategies were multidisciplinary, integrated and focused on training for identifying and preventing musculoskeletal risks while improving working conditions. Conclusion: the most effective strategies combine workers' individual actions with improvements in working conditions, addressing physical, psychosocial and ergonomic factors to adapt the work environment, prevent musculoskeletal pain progression and maintain job performance. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024575014.