Work - Volume 14, issue 2

Authors: Karen Jacobs,

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 75-75, 2000

Authors: Marine Sturesson, | Inga-Britt Br\"anholm,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objectives:} To examine the levels of life satisfaction for patients with chronic obstructive disease (COPD) and to explore the relationships between life satisfaction, lung function, walking distance test/exercise capacity and quality of life. {\it Study design:} The population comprised 91 patients with COPD, 28 patients with COPD using long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and a reference group (R) of 150 healthy individuals. Before the study, a number of the COPD patients had been tested …with regard to spirometry, walking distance and quality of life using the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ). All subjects filled in an eight-item checklist on levels of life satisfaction. {\it Results:} Significantly lower levels of satisfaction were reported by both patient groups than the R group for satisfaction with life as a whole and satisfaction derived from vocational/occupational situation, sexual life and ADL, and by the LTOT group, furthermore, also with family life. Only 10% of the patients were satisfied with their health. The LTOT group reported significantly lower levels of satisfaction than the COPD group for life as a whole, satisfaction with their vocational/occupational situation, leisure, ADL situation and their satisfaction with family life and partnership relation. Factor analyses demonstrated different patterns between the R group and the patient group. No correlation was found between satisfaction with life as a whole and lung function parameters whereas three of the CRQ dimensions; emotional function, fatigue and mastery correlateded significicantly with satisfaction with life as a whole and several of the domains. No relationships was found between satisfaction with life as a whole or any of the domains and the CRQ dimension dyspnea. {\it Conclusions:} The low levels of satisfaction with life as a whole, in addition to low levels of satisfaction with several domains, indicate that the majority of the patients had not managed to cope successfully with the consequences of their impairment. More attention must, thus, be given to these patients in the rehabilitation work. Show more

Keywords: chronic illness, coping, life satisfaction, occupational therapy, rehabilitation

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 77-82, 2000

Authors: Ingrid S\"oderback, | Karen Jacobs,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objectives.} This study involved Swedish workers (n = 106) who perform jobs categorized into four occupational groups from Jist's Enhanced Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) (Technical, Clerical, Service and Miscellaneous occupations) [1]. The workers capacity for work were investigated according to the Criterion Referenced Multidimensional Vocational Assessment (CMVA) comprising four aspects (described below), which were assessed in 14 different ways using 465 items. {\it Method}. The participants were interviewed [2], observed …during performance of simulated work tasks [3], and answered mailed questionnaires [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15]. The collected data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and the tests of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, ANOVA, Chi-square, linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient. {\it Results.} The participants' work contained different level of occupationally substantive complexity showing that {\it the work demands} were different for the four work groups. For some of the participants ill-health were detected; The workers' work skills, e.g., {\it the demands} (VALPAR work samples) [3] {\it the jobs required of the worker} was higher than 14 of the workers' capacity for work. It was remarkable that many of the workers (34%) estimated themselves in need for rehabilitative measures (Functional Status Questionnaire) [12,13]. The results suggested that there was a negative discrepancy of what the workers' valued and strived for in connection to what they had attained in their work-lives [15,16]. The {\it psychosocial work environment influenced} the worker both positively and negatively. Participants (about 17%) who are performing their usual work for at least 20 hours a week had risks for ill-health [6]. In several components of CMVA there were significant differences between male and female workers, probably showing that the female workers had a greater burden to perform all the myriad of daily occupations (Self-Assessed Capabilities to Perform Daily Occupations) [7] including salaried work. Show more

Keywords: capacity for work, occupational performance, occupational rehabilitation, occupational therapy, public health, prevention, skill

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 83-107, 2000

Authors: Bonnie Kirsh,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Although the effects of organizational culture, climate and person-environment fit have been widely studied in the general population, little research exists in this area regarding consumers of mental health services. This research focuses on organizational culture, climate and person-environment fit and their relationship to employment outcomes for mental health consumers. It also examines specific components of organizational culture which are both desired and perceived by mental health consumers. Thirty-six (N=36 ) …consumers were recruited into one of two groups: individuals who were employed at the time of the study and those who had recently left their jobs. Instruments used were the Workplace Climate Questionnaire (WCQ) and the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP). Significant differences were found between groups along the dimensions of organizational culture/climate and person-environment fit. Although few differences were found between groups with regards to desired workplace characteristics, many differences in perceived characteristics were found. The findings point to the importance of assessing the organizational culture/climate and its congruence with individuals' value systems as part of the work integration process. Show more

Keywords: vocational rehabilitation, employment, mental health consumers

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 109-122, 2000

Authors: Thomas L. Sevier, | Robert H. Helfst, | Sue A. Stover, | Julie K. Wilson,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Tendinitis has dramatically risen over the last few years. Some instances of tendinitis are resistant to traditional management aimed at decreasing the inflammatory process leaving clinicians to wonder whether or not they are truly dealing with an inflammatory condition. An understanding is essential for the appropriate clinical management of tendon disorders. The focus of this article will be to review tendon injuries, their healing, and to present an illustrative case treated successfully with an innovative form …of treatment. Show more

Keywords: tendinitis, tendinosis, physical therapy, ASTM

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 123-126, 2000

Authors: Beth C. Marcoux, | Volker Krause, | Els R. Nieuwenhuijsen,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objective:} This pilot project assessed the effectiveness of an intervention to increase knowledge and reduce risky behaviors related to cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) in office workers. {\it Study Design:} All 124 employees from the administrative offices of a health maintenance organization were invited to participate. Subjects were followed across time using an identification number. Data were collected via questionnaire in June 1994 (pretest1) (N=84), August 1994 (pretest II) (N= 63) and September 1995 …(posttest) (N=40). The yearlong intervention focused on functional activities to prevent CTD. {\it Results:} of chi-square analyses for the 40 subjects who completed all surveys indicated this intervention significantly increased overall knowledge of CTD (p = .002). Significant changes in self-reported hand/wrist (p = .016) and neck/shoulder (p = .003) posture were also found. {\it Conclusions:} This study is a first step in identifying effective educational interventions to increase knowledge and reduce risk factors related to CTD in office workers. Show more

Keywords: educational intervention program for CTD, knowledge of CTD, office workers, prevention of CTD

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 127-135, 2000

Authors: Angela D. Sefcovic, | Elena J. Tuason, | Tara J. Asaad, | Abigail M. Dawson, | Tamsie M. Lundberg, | Jennifer E. Moreau, | Lucinda M. Dale,

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 137-144, 2000

Authors: Sari Prusti, | Inga-Britt Br\"anholm,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objectives:} To investigate: 1) internalization of occupational roles and 2) levels of satisfaction in psychiatric outpatients with vocational disability. {\it Study design:} Twenty subjects, 8 men and 12 women, aged 20--55, participated in the study. The past, present and expected values of 10 occupational roles were identified. Levels of satisfaction with life as whole and on eight different domains were reported on a six-step scale ranging from very dissatisfied to very satisfied. {\it …Results:} The student and worker roles were not part of current life, in contrast to the past (5 years ago) and the expected future. The roles of family member and home maintainer were the most appreciated both in the past and at present. All of the participants expected to add both number and level of role involvement in the future. No-one were satisfied with life as whole. All but one were dissatisfied with their vocational and financial situations. Most were also dissatisfied with their leisure situation, family life, partnership relations, sexual life, and contacts with friends. {\it Conclusions:} The low levels of satisfaction with life as whole and the different domains reflect the disadvantageous situation of the participants in the study. The low number of occupational roles and the low level of meaningful role involvement support the associations between occupational roles and life satisfaction. It is suggested that occupational role assessment would be an important focus in occupational therapy to help people to more adaptive daily routines and to improve their quality of life. Show more

Keywords: daily routines, life roles, life satisfaction, occupational therapy

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 145-149, 2000

Authors: Donna M. Leonard,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The increased prevalence of work-related cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremity highlights the need for effective prevention programs. This paper examines the effectiveness of different intervention strategies used to educate workers about the prevention of upper extremity CTDs. The articles reviewed include primary prevention and reinjury prevention interventions in both clinical and workplace settings. The current research findings are inconclusive. Intervention strategies may include discussion, demonstration, or practice of proper …posture and body mechanics. Practice of correct techniques may not be necessary to achieve improved hand-use patterns in assembly-line workers. However, practice with intensive feedback may be necessary to achieve the best performance of hand-wrist position, but not sitting posture, in computer operators. The effects of practice on correct hand use may depend on the type of job task. Further research is needed to clarify the role of practice and feedback in CTD prevention. Show more

Keywords: repetitive strain injury, ergonomics, follow-through, secondary prevention

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 151-157, 2000

Authors: Farrah Choe,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: There is a growing problem of violence in the workplace that should not be ignored. An estimated 6,359 deaths occur per year in the workplace [8] and an average one million each year are assaulted while at work [3]. Workplace violence is detrimental to both the employer and employee. It causes decreased worker productivity which results in monetary loss for businesses and the worker. Prevention programs can and should be implemented to address workplace violence. Prevention …strategies that incorporate ergonomic and occupational therapy concepts can increase work productivity and job satisfaction. Certain occupations, such as health care and social service workers, are at a high risk for violence in the workplace. Violence in the workplace may never be eliminated, but steps can be taken to hinder the problem from growing. Show more

Keywords: occupational therapy, health care and social services, work productivity

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 159-164, 2000

Authors: Caren A. Whedon,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A frame of reference is the mechanism for linking theory to practice. It may be the most practical and important tool a professional uses. As the practice of occupational therapy has evolved, so has the basis of information, or theories, on which it is grounded. From the theories, models have been developed that typically view occupational performance as a transaction between the person, occupation and environment. Occupational therapy practitioners use many frames of reference. Not all …of them address all areas of occupational performance identified within this overarching model. Often the area of the environment does not receive attention. To do their jobs thoroughly, occupational therapy practitioners need frames of reference for thinking about the environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore frames of reference that may be useful to occupational therapy practitioners when they are taking into consideration the physical environment. Included are the following frames of reference: ergonomics, industrial hygiene, environmental psychology, accessibility and feng shui. A case study is presented to illustrate the unique perspective of each frame of reference. Show more

Keywords: ergonomics, industrial hygiene, environmental psychology, accessibility, feng shui

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 165-174, 2000

Authors: Barbara A. Larson,

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 175-177, 2000