LAUSR

BACKGROUND Nurses are exposed to high risk of fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders due to physically and mentally demanding job, which could affect their work ability. OBJECTIVE This study tends to identify factors influencing nurses' work ability through a macroergonomic model. METHODS A descriptive and qualitative analysis was done in two phases. At first, 41 nurses of cardiac intensive care unit in a military hospital in Iran filled the work ability questionnaire (WAI). Then, in order to identify factors influencing work ability of the nurses, a semi-structural interview within the framework of system engineering initiative for patient safety model (SEIPS) was conducted. Lastly, data were analysed and compared by multiple experts using directed content analysis method. RESULTS The mean work ability of the nurses was 40.01±4.05 (good work ability). 22 themes were identified through the directed content analysis and they were classified in 5 categories of the SEIPS model including environment, tools and technology, task, person, and organization. CONCLUSIONS Using a macroergonomic approach is helpful to identify factors influencing on nursing work ability. These factors could be considered by managers and hfe practitioners designing intervention programs to improve nurses' work ability.