Work - Volume 37, issue 1

Authors: Melkas, Helinä

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This article explores the use of information and communication technologies including safety alarm technologies and their impacts on elderly-care organizations' informational ecology, or internal information environment. Results are reported from a case study on the use of safety telephones and high-tech well-being wristbands that monitor vital signs in Finnish elderly-care organizations. Participants and methods: Data collection involved human impact assessment methodologies including interviews and longer-term assessment processes among 78 care workers at 8 workplaces …offering sheltered accommodation. The assessment results were analyzed qualitatively, also with the help of the concept of information quality. Results and conclusions}: Changes in the informational ecology were identified; informational ecology in a care unit is in many ways affected by technology use. The human impact assessment methodologies and the topic of information quality offered useful and novel points of view about daily care work in increasingly technological environments. Show more

Keywords: Care work, impact assessment, informational ecology, information quality, safety alarm systems

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-1060

Citation: Work, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 87-97, 2010

Authors: Andersen, Gunn Robstad | Aasland, Olaf Gjerlöw | Fridner, Ann | Lövseth, Lise Tevik

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: The objective of this cross-national study was to identify work-related factors related to the prevalence of harassment, and identify potential similarities and differences in harassment levels and appointed perpetrators within the same professional group across four European cities. Participants: 2078 physicians working in university hospitals in Trondheim, Stockholm, Reykjavik, and Padova participated in the study. Methods: Questionnaire comprised items on direct and indirect experience of workplace harassment, appointed perpetrators, psychosocial work …environment and basic socio-demographics. Results: Harassment was found to be a relatively frequent work environment problem among physicians in all four European cities, with particular high levels in Padova. Role conflict, human resource primacy, empowerment leadership, and control over work pace were all found to be significantly related to workplace harassment. Conclusions: Differences in harassment prevalence and perpetrators indicated a cultural difference between the Italian and the Nordic hospitals. Harassment followed the line of command in Padova in contrast to being a horizontal phenomenon in the Scandinavian hospitals. This may be explained by national differences in organizational systems and traditions. In order to decrease harassment level and create a positive and productive work environment, each organization must employ different strategies in accordance with their harassment patterns. Show more

Keywords: Harassment, bullying, psychosocial work environment, physician working climate, role conflict

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-1061

Citation: Work, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 99-110, 2010

Authors: Gouttebarge, Vincent | Wind, Haije | Kuijer, P. Paul F.M. | Sluiter, Judith K. | Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this paper is to propose a three-step procedure that can be used in the selection of functional tests from any full Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) method in order to assess efficiently physical work-ability in workers with musculoskeletal complaints (MSC) and related functional limitations. Methods: Recently, some authors have considered the selection of functional tests specific to particular jobs from within a full FCE method. In the present study, based on …existing literature and on their own expertise on FCE methods, the authors develop in an analogous manner a conceptual framework for selecting functional tests specific to particular MSCs from within a full FCE method. Results: The first step is to establish the worker's medical condition and to assign it to one or more defined MSC categories (upper extremity, back, lower extremity). The second step is to identify activities that are restricted by the medical condition (e.g., lifting and bending for MSC of the back). The third and final step is to select functional tests from a full FCE tests battery to permit measurement of the restricted activities identified in Step 2, striving to avoid redundancy by selecting a limited number of tests for each activity under investigation. Conclusions: The proposed three-step procedure is a new approach to enhance the efficiency and practicality of FCEs. Show more

Keywords: Physical work-ability, musculoskeletal complaints, practicality, efficiency

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-1084

Citation: Work, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 111-115, 2010