Risk related to data display screens in nurses at a hospital: Scoping review

Introduction: Currently, occupational risks are considered a health problem with consequences on work performance and personal well-being. Display screens pose an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MD) such as upper limb disorders. Objective: To map the relationship between the use of display screens and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among nurses, with a focus on identifying specific ergonomic risks and related psychosocial factors by nurses in a hospital setting. Methods: The recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for a scoping review were followed. All publicly available sources of information will be considered. Included studies published in English and Portuguese without geographical or cultural restrictions. Duplicates were removed, and two independent reviewers selected abstracts and evaluated the full text of the selected studies based on inclusion criteria. The study selection results will be displayed in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) flowchart. Results: 64 articles published between 2016 and 2021 were found, with 17 articles included. This allowed for the identification of MD as originating from shift work. Consequently, work-family conflict arises, with factors associated with risk being chronic occupational fatigue/burnout. The importance of MD prevention programs related to work is revealed, with benefits for nurses' health. Conclusions: Although WMSD is the main reason for high absenteeism rates among nurses, there is no scientific evidence that these injuries result from the use of display screens. Therefore, conducting studies aiming to correlate this usage with nurses' daily interventions is suggested.