The Psychomotor Domain

Hi Vicky,

I can't agree with you more on how important learning in the psychomotor domain really is. I even believe it needs to be expanded above and beyond how you describe.

I believe that learning in the psychomotor domain is incredibly important for self use as well. We have no programs in our brains that tell us how to move - how to sit, stand, lift, walk, talk, etc.... You get the picture. We have to learn everything!

However, we as human beings learn just well enough to get an outcome, and once that point is reached, the overwhelming majority cease the refinement process in the movement domain. There is a reason that over 85% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives - they haven't learned how to move correctly. Nurses are hit even harder: the incidence of back pain is almost twice the national average in the nursing profession.

It is not enough to simply try and impose a ergonomic protocol on someone - i.e. "lift with your legs". We can't impose anything on anyone and have it be effective. People need to feel what efficient movement is.

As soon as movement and attentional training for self use are implemented on a wide scale, these statistics aren't going to change much. Those that do implement them will have healthier, happier, more productive nurses that will be incredibly loyal to their jobs and organization.

Thank you again, Vicky, for such a great article.

Best Regards,

Chad