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Results of a Pilot Intervention to Improve Health and Safety for Health Care Workers

Year: 2013
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of a multicomponent pilot intervention to improve worker safety and wellness in two Boston hospitals. METHODS: A 3-month intervention was conducted on seven hospital units. Pre- (374 workers) and postsurveys (303 workers) 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 4 hours per week. There was a postintervention 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 the risk of MSDs.
DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3182a7e65a
Authors: Caitlin Eicher Caspi, Jack T. Dennerlein, Christopher Kenwood, Anne M. Stoddard, Karen Hopcia, Dean Hashimoto, Glorian Sorensen
Institutions: Northeastern University, University of Minnesota, University of Illinois Chicago, New England Research Institutes, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University
Language: English
Open Access status: green
Awards: Minnesota Community Networks Center For Eliminating Cancer Disparaties, G3828440927, Harvard Education Program in Cancer Prevention Control, G5487190776, Cancer Related Health Disparities Education and Career Development Program, G73521160, Cancer Related Health Disparities Training Program
OpenAlex ID: W2001662710
FWCI: 9.426
Cites: 50
Cited by: 38
Related to: 10