Work - Volume 65, issue 2

Authors: Takada, Mirian Missae | Rocha, Clayton Henrique | Neves-Lobo, Ivone Ferreira | Moreira, Renata Rodrigues | Samelli, Alessandra Giannella

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Discrepancies between attenuation obtained in the laboratory and the field are caused by several factors associated with hearing protection devices (HPDs). The effects of some factors can be minimized with proper training provided to HPD users. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention for improving the correct use of earplugs as HPDs in workers exposed to occupational noise by using the F-MIRE method and by comparing pre- and post-training attenuation values and pass/fail rates. METHODOLOGY: The personal attenuation ratings (PARs) of two types of earplugs were obtained (140 individuals) using E-A-Rfit™ equipment. Each …HPD was evaluated under two scenarios: first after the user only read the packaging instructions, and then after the user read guidelines and participated in a training program. The results obtained were automatically classified by the software as “Approved” or “Failed”. RESULTS: There was a significant post-training increase in the binaural PAR values for both HPDs. The percentages of passes pre- and post-training showed that training users in the proper fit of the HPD was effective; both types had statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: This study found a statistically significant increase in PARs and the number of workers passing evaluations after HPD fit training, demonstrating the effectiveness of this educational intervention. Show more

Keywords: Hearing, noise-induced hearing loss, educational intervention, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203092

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 401-407, 2020

Authors: Sturesson, Marine | Bylund, Sonya Hörnqvist | Edlund, Curt | Falkdal, Annie Hansen | Bernspång, Birgitta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: General practitioners (GPs) have expressed difficulties in issuing sickness certificates and problems may arise if this work is not performed in an adequate manner. There is scant knowledge about how collaboration with other professions could be organized to enhance this work. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the feasibility of occupational therapists (OTs) performing supplementary assessments for persons on sick leave. METHODS: Four healthcare centres (HCs) tested a working approach intervention where sick-listed patients were offered a complementary occupational therapy assessment. The OT assessments were intended to provide useful information for GP issued extended sickness certificates. Data on sick …leave, sickness certificates and patient questionnaires were collected at different HCs. Interviews were conducted with GPs and OTs and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to analyse the intervention’s implementation. RESULTS: No major differences in the sickness certificate quality was found. Available data on sick leave increased for all HCs during the project. Not all GPs used the OT assessments, which indicates that the implementation of the intervention was insufficient. CONCLUSION: Testing a new working approach in primary healthcare requires an implementation strategy. To improve sickness certification quality, this work needs to be prioritized as an important healthcare task. Show more

Keywords: Sick leave, health plan implementation, feasibility study, general practitioners, occupational therapists

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203093

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 409-420, 2020

Authors: Tariah, Hashem Abu | Nafai, Said | Alajmi, Mutrik | Almutairi, Fahad | Alanazi, Badr

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses are considered the group of healthcare workers with the highest prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMDs). The most common physical demands of nursing that have been found to contribute to WRMDs include lifting, working in awkward postures, stooping, and repetitive actions. Occupational therapists (OT) have a significant role in preventing WRMDs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore that magnitude of the WRMDs among nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Exploring the role of OT in increasing awareness and prevention of WRMDs among nurses. METHODS: The study was conducted using …a cross-sectional questionnaire design. Data was collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Nurses at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, KSA, were the target of this study. RESULTS: Ninety-four nurses participated in this study. Most of them (63.8%) indicated that they experienced discomfort during the last 12 months in their lower back, followed by shoulders (50%), and upper back (48.9%). Twenty-four (25.5%) of the participants who indicated experiencing low back discomfort, also indicated that this discomfort reduced their work activity, and this same number indicated that the discomfort reduced their leisure activity. CONCLUSION: Nurses are at high risk for WRMDs. Occupational therapists have an important role to play in prevention. Measures should be taken by hospital administrators, the rehabilitation departments, as well as the nurses themselves to manage this global problem. Special measures should be implemented to make sure that they work in ergonomically appropriate environment, and implement proper body mechanics to limit their chances of encountering WRMDs. Show more

Keywords: Occupational therapy, prevention, nurses, work-related musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203094

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 421-428, 2020

Authors: Fuentes-Ramírez, L.D. | Alfaro-Gomez, U. | Espinosa-Uribe, A.G. | Teran-Garza, R. | Quiroga-Garza, A. | Gutiérrez-de la O, J. | Vilchez Cavazos, F. | Guzman-Lopez, S. | Elizondo-Omaña, R.E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of smart phones is now part of the daily routine throughout the world. Morphological alterations have been described associated with telephone holding technique, as well as clinically significant alterations related to their use. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the macroscopic morphological changes due to smartphone use in the fifth finger of the hand with which the smartphone is commonly used. METHODS: University students were invited to participate. Photographs of the dorsal region of both hands were taken using a millimeter paper as background. After calibrating the ImageJ software, photographs were analyzed in …pairs obtaining areas of asymmetry. Sociodemographic information and technique of use was collected through a survey. The data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20. RESULTS: A total of 143 participants were included. The mean age was 20 years. No significant differences were found between the area of asymmetry and the miniferet of both fingers of the subjects compared with age, gender, BMI, daily time of use, years using a smartphone or the type of holding technique. CONCLUSIONS: No asymmetric changes were evident between left and right small fingers in relation to the holding technique of a smartphone in a young adult population. Show more

Keywords: Anatomy, ergonomics, cellphone, morphology, hand

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203095

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 429-433, 2020

Authors: Folgo, Ashley R. | Iennaco, Joanne DeSanto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Management of violent acts of patients and their visitors in psychiatric and hospital settings has been studied. However, violence has not yet been addressed in the ambulatory care environment. OBJECTIVE: To identify potential risk factors for patient and visitor violence [PVV] and staff perceptions of the impact of these risk factors in ambulatory care. METHODS: A review of psychiatric inpatient research was conducted examining violence and aggression including risk factors for PVV. Identified risk factors for violence were incorporated into a survey tool and distributed to staff in a community clinic asking for their perception …of the impact of these risk factors on aggression in their work environment. RESULTS: Risk factors for violence and aggression were categorized as static or dynamic or as related to characteristics of staff or the environment of care. All of the risk factors were identified as possible contributors to PVV by the staff while items related to substance abuse and the clinic environment were selected by the staff as “highly likely” to contribute to PVV in their setting. CONCLUSIONS: Continued research is needed in this area to better understand risk factors for PVV and develop appropriate safety interventions and crisis training for ambulatory care settings. Show more

Keywords: Workplace violence, safety, outpatient clinics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203096

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 435-445, 2020

Authors: Guzik, Agnieszka | Kwolek, Andrzej | Drużbicki, Mariusz | Przysada, Grzegorz

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of stroke is growing in various parts of the world and the condition most commonly affects the adult population. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is to provide a narrative review of papers published in the last 11 years in English and in Polish and focusing on demographic characteristics of individuals returning to work after stroke, return to work rates, length of time post stroke to return to work as well as health conditions, or personal and environmental factors associated with return to work after stroke. The study also presents the situation regarding return to …work after stroke in Poland in comparison to other countries. METHODS: The narrative review covers Polish and foreign literature published between 2007 and 2018. The number of records initially identified through English databases search amounted to 4,912. Five records were additionally identified through other sources (Polish databases). Ultimately 26 (21 foreign, 5 Polish) refereed publications were selected to be reviewed in this study, based on their relevance in terms of specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The appraisal of Polish and English-language literature shows that stroke survivors’ ability to return to work varies; in our country the rate being 43% and outside of Poland reaching the rate of 74.7%. Average time frames for return to work for stroke survivors include from 3 to 6 months, from 12 to 18 months and up to 3 years post stroke. One of the most frequently reported positive factors in the English-language literature is individually tailored vocational rehabilitation. There is a scarcity of studies related to return to work after stroke in Poland. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from studies included in this narrative review may suggest a need to improve the situation in Poland with regard to measures related to return to work after stroke, including vocational rehabilitation which is insufficiently available in Poland. Show more

Keywords: Engagement in work, factors related to return to work, working age

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203097

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 447-462, 2020

Authors: Serranheira, F. | Sousa-Uva, M. | Heranz, F. | Kovacs, F. | Sousa-Uva, A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational physical demands are commonly assumed the cause of work-related Low Back Pain (LBP) and absenteeism. OBJECTIVES: To analyse relationships between LBP at work, physical demands and absenteeism. METHODS: Workers filled out a questionnaire on socio-demographic and work-related factors, general health, LBP (number of episodes in a 12-month period, pain severity and intensity), and occupational hazards related with physical demands. RESULTS: 735 workers completed the questionnaire (male n  = 359). A high proportion of workers n  = 507 (69%), from different occupational backgrounds, reported at least one LBP episode in the previous 12-month period. The …highest ratio of subjects with more than 6 episodes of LBP per year was found among public services employees (31.8%) and the lowest ratio among administrative workers (10.3%). The highest ratio of workers (39%) were classified as sedentary workers, 34% of workers having a low or moderate level of physical demands in their work, and 27% reported high levels of physical demands in their work. There was a 4 % absenteeism rate in a 12-month period, which was significantly higher in the group with physically demanding work. Those subjects with higher physical requirements at work have increased odds of having more than 3 episodes of LBP during the previous year (p  < 0.05) in comparison with subjects with more sedentary jobs and those with low or moderate physical demands. High intensity work, compared to sedentary work, is associated with an increased probability of being absent of work because of LBP in a previous 12-month period (OR = 3.12; CI 1.23-7.89; p  = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest there is an association between highly physically demanding jobs, LBP and absenteeism. These results may contribute to the improvement of LBP assessment and prevention programs in Occupational Health Services. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, occupational disorders, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203073

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 463-469, 2020