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Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), particularly low back pain (LBP), are the leading causes of disability among nursing staff globally. These conditions are exacerbated by repetitive physical tasks, such as patient lifting and repositioning, which are compounded by staff shortages in healthcare settings. Various interventions, including using assistive devices and ergonomic programs, have been proposed to mitigate these risks, but their effectiveness remains debated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of reinforcing auxiliary staff in inpatient wards on WRMSD prevalence, psychosocial factors (e.g., job satisfaction, workload, perceived control), and the utilization of assistive devices among nurses.

Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted among nursing staff in internal medicine (reinforced with auxiliary staff) and surgical wards (non-reinforced) at a single medical center in Israel. A total of 133 nurses completed validated questionnaires assessing demographic data, MSD complaints, workload, job satisfaction, perceived control, and the frequency of assistive device use. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between auxiliary staff reinforcement and the study outcomes.

Results: No significant differences were found in WRMSD prevalence between the two groups, with high rates of LBP reported in both internal medicine and surgical wards. However, nurses in internal medicine wards reported significantly higher job satisfaction (OR 3.29, p=0.002) and lower workload and stress levels (p=0.001) than their surgical counterparts. Surgical ward nurses demonstrated higher utilization of assistive devices for patient transfers (p<0.001). Perceived control was low across both groups, with no significant differences observed.

Discussion: Reinforcing auxiliary staff in internal medicine wards was associated with improved psychosocial outcomes, including reduced workload and increased job satisfaction, but did not significantly affect WRMSD prevalence.

Conclusion: Future research should investigate the long-term and systemic effects of auxiliary reinforcement, alongside broader strategies to promote the use of assistive devices and ergonomic practices across healthcare settings. Addressing these challenges is crucial to enhancing nurses’ well-being and quality patient care.