| Sumario: | Radiology departments report some of the highest rates of musculoskeletal injuries among health care professionals, particularly related to patient handling and plate placement during imaging. This quality improvement initiative examined the impact of air friction reduction devices (AFRDs) on reducing wrist forces exerted by Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists during plate placement and removal, as well as potential protective effects on patient skin integrity. Using a push-pull force meter, researchers compared force requirements across varying air blower settings, bed features, and patient participation. Findings indicated that use of AFRDs significantly decreased wrist forces and reduced patient interface pressure, and subjective pain ratings, suggesting a potential strategy to decrease both staff injuries and hospital-acquired pressure injuries.
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