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Results of a pilot intervention to improve health and safety for healthcare workers
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12 2013
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Source: J Occup Environ Med. 55(12):1449-1455
[PDF-154.84 KB]
Details:
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Alternative Title:J Occup Environ Med
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Description:Objective
To test the feasibility of a multicomponent pilot intervention to improve worker safety and wellness in two Boston hospitals.
Methods
The 3-month intervention was conducted on seven hospital units. Pre (374 workers) and post (303 workers) surveys assessed changes in safety/ergonomic behaviors and practices, and social support. Wellness outcomes included self-reported pain/aching in specific body areas (musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs) and physical activity (PA).
Results
Pain was reported frequently (81%), and PA averaged 4h per week. There was a post-intervention increase in safe patient handling (p <0.0001), safety practices (p = 0.0004), ergonomics (p = 0.009), and supervisor support (p = 0.01), but no changes in MSDs or PA.
Conclusions
Safe patient handling, ergonomics, and safety practices are good targets for worker safety and wellness interventions; longer intervention periods may reduce risk of MSDs.
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Pubmed ID:24270297
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC3858503
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