A descriptive and empirical approach was used in this research.
A sixteen-item survey instrument was developed and distributed
to practising nurses through the heads of a regional hospital, the
school of nursing in a metropolitan and a regional university
campus, an aged care facility and two doctors’ surgeries located
in a regional area.
Sample
Registered nurses currently practising in various capacities at
different health care facilities were recruited for this study. A list
of the health care facilities in the regional city and the number
of nursing staff in each was compiled. From this list the total
population was determined to be approximately 174. The sample
included nursing lecturers working in a metropolitan and a regional
university campus. It also included nursing staff in doctors’ surgeries,
recognising that these nurses are increasingly using computer
technology in tasks such as health care planning and maintaining
client records. Following approval from the health care facilities
and schools of nursing, a total of 140 letters and questionnaires
were distributed.
Data Collection
The questionnaire used was based on an instrument developed
and previously validated by the first author in a study of various
rural businesses (Sawyer, 2005). This questionnaire collected the
following data: demographics; awareness of ergonomic principles;
educational and training sessions attended; knowledge about
organisational policy on procedures related to ergonomics; ability
to point out poor positioning from the diagrams; taking rest breaks
from the computer; and perception of sufficient priority given
within the organisation.
Procedure
Written approval from participating organisations was obtained
before commencing the research. Introductory letterswere distributed
which contained the purpose of the study and potential outcomes
of the research. Also, the letter informed potential participants
about the expected benefits of the research, the survey procedure,
and the actual involvement requested of participants. The letter
included also a statement regarding the voluntary nature of
participation and assurance of confidentiality of information
provided. The introductory letter assured the participants that
they were not obliged to participate in the study. Completing and
returning the questionnaire was taken as consenting to participate
in the study.
Purposive sampling was used to select participants for the study.
This involved deliberate selection of individuals who shared
common experiences or characteristics.The selection criteria were:
currently registered with the Nurses’ Board of South Australia,
practising a nursing speciality, and consenting to participate in