Assessment of the workload of nurses in Cotonou

Introduction

The low ratio of officer / population is usually at the base of a high workload among nurses in particular. The onset of the AIDS epidemic increases the workload especially in the low income countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the determinants of workload for nurses.

Methods

We made the ergonomic analysis of nursing work in general medicine and emergency department in a hospital in Cotonou (Benin) during the period from December 2009 to March 2010.This methodology combines interviews, the use of official documents, the global observation, and systematic analysis of the activity and measurement of environmental factors.

Results
The medical ward has 30 inpatient beds with an average occupancy rate of 92% ranging from 70 to 150%. A custody nurse assisted by a caregiver realizes care. The systematic analysis of the activity in the care shows that the implementation of delegates care and supervision is more than 75% of working time. Care realizations are in postures with muscle and joint overuse, a low light and poorly ventilated rooms. The postures combined muscle and joint overuse and walking are 36.5% of the working time while the nurse is lying down for 34.2% of working time. The nurse walks about 2657 meters in his custody. There are many interpellations in nurses by physicians, patients and patient’s guards seeking information.

Discussion
To improve the working conditions of nurses, the levers of transformation should act on the high bed occupancy, lack of equipment, the physical work environment and numerous arrests. This need requires financial investments more or less important in this hospital.