Work - Volume 52, issue 3

Authors: MacRae, Nancy | Strout, Kelley

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: Self-care among health care providers is an important component of their ability to provide quality health care to patients. Health care institutions have programs in place for students that emphasize health and wellness, but few programs are available for faculty and staff. To address this gap and facilitate modeling health and wellness strategies for students, a New England institution that educates health care practitioners began a pilot self-care project for faculty and staff. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The template used for this project could be used as a stepping-stone for future wellness self-care program in higher education …for faculty, staff, and students. Show more

Keywords: Self-care for faculty and staff, interprofessional, health and wellness, higher education

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152191

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 525-531, 2015

Authors: Quemelo, Paulo Roberto Veiga | Gasparato, Felipe dos Santos | Vieira, Edgar Ramos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common among office workers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence, risks and symptoms of MSD among office workers of a Brazilian dairy company. METHODS: Fifty office workers participated in the study. The following evaluations and questionnaires were completed: Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, Strain Index, Muscle Fatigue Assessment, Nordic General Questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS: Seventy-four percent (n  = 37) of the participants had MSD symptoms. The back was most commonly affected body part (81% , n  = 30), followed by the upper limbs (70% , n  = 26). Fifty-three percent of the …workers with low back pain had mild to moderate disability, and the risk for the hands, wrists and fingers was moderate. Changes are required to reduce the risk of MSD among the participating office workers. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MSD symptoms was high; the back and upper limbs were most commonly affected. Data from the evaluations and questionnaires supplemented each other. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment and Strain Index were better indicators of risk of MSD symptoms than the Muscle Fatigue Assessment. The participating office workers were exposed to moderate risk of developing MSD due to biomechanical overload and changes are required. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, office workers, occupational health, work load

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152131

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 533-540, 2015

Authors: Koç, Ayşegül

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical care after stroke is highly variable. The effects of therapeutic exercise on the impairments after stroke remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a structured, physiologically based exercise program for subacute stroke produces larger gains than those attributable to spontaneous recovery and usual care. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, single-blind pilot study was conducted in Yozgat, Turkey and enrolled 134 patients living in the community (mean age, 67 years; mean Barthel Index [BI] score, 67.4 ± 4.8) who consented to participate and were randomized from a screened sample of 765 patients. Of these, 72 patients completed …the study. The intervention was a structured, progressive, physiologically based, nurse-supervised, in-home program of 24 1-h sessions over 12 weeks that targeted flexibility, strength, balance, endurance, and upper-limb function. The main outcome measures were postintervention activities of daily living (ADL) BI. RESULTS: The experimental group showed more improvement in ADL than the control group (BI: mean score change, 14). The BI scores in the experimental group were statistically significant (p  <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a pilot trial of a poststroke exercise program is feasible and is important with regard to accessibility of therapeutic exercise practice for patients at home. Improvements in the patients’ neurological impairments and ADL implied the program was beneficial. Show more

Keywords: Activities of Daily Living (ADL), exercises, physical therapy, nursing intervention, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152156

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 541-547, 2015

Authors: Chen, Yi-Lang | Chiou, Wen-Ko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies have analyzed the lifting capacity of either experienced workers or novices, but a systematic comparison of the lifting capacity of experienced female workers and novices has not been conducted. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify differences in lifting strengths and postures between experienced and novice Taiwanese female workers. METHODS: Twenty-three experienced female workers and 23 novices volunteered for this study. Their static lifting strengths (n  = 46) and lifting postures (n  = 22) were analyzed using statistical analysis software. RESULTS: Experienced workers’ vertical lifting strengths were approximately 5–7 kg lower than those of …novices at lower heights (≤50 cm). However, at heights equal to or higher than 90 cm, the experienced workers generated approximately 2-3 kg higher toward-body lifting strengths than did novices. The experienced workers’ strengths at all 15 lifting heights were relatively unchanged, compared with changes in the novices’ strengths. Experienced workers tended to adopt a consistently deep squat at lower heights and a more flexed arm posture at higher heights. CONCLUSIONS: Through daily work experience, experienced workers may have subconsciously learned to shift their postures to avoid overexertion. These techniques for safe lifting should be taught to new Taiwanese female workers. Show more

Keywords: Lifting strengths, lifting postures, exertion heights, exertion directions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152184

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 549-558, 2015

Authors: Sakzewski, Lisa | Naser-ud-Din, Shazia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As professionals work longer hours and live longer there have been concerns regarding the Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) affecting both professional and personal lives. Moreover, past decade has seen a surge in interest in all allied health sciences personnel with self reporting cross sectional studies. OBJECTIVE: Health professionals often suffer WMSD due to occupational stress. It is important to assess the problem in order to find ways to prevent it. Hence, the focus of this cross-sectional survey. The aim was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSD between Australian dentists and orthodontists. …MATERIALS AND METHOD: A postal survey was sent to 447 Australian orthodontists and 450 Queensland dentists using the universal Nordic scale previously piloted at UQ and refined for this cross-sectional study. Questions were directed towards individuals, workplace and psychosocial variables and were designed to gather information regarding health, lifestyle, education, awareness of musculoskeletal problems and current preventative strategies. RESULTS: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was found for both dentists (88.9%) and orthodontists (83.6%) reported in the last 12 months. The main predictor in both groups was increased work stress. Less than a third of those professionals surveyed had received education regarding dental practice ergonomics during their tertiary education. CONCLUSION: Dentists and orthodontists experienced a high rate of musculoskeletal problems which were associated with increased levels of stress at work. Further research should be directed toward interventions aimed at reducing stress in the work environment as well as improving work posture. Show more

Keywords: Occupation, pain, ergonomics, dentistry, orthodontics, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152122

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 559-579, 2015

Authors: Bernardes, Rosane Andrea Bretas | Chiavegato, Luciana Dias | de Moraes, Mônica Vasconcelos | Negreiros, Alexandher | Padula, Rosimeire Simprini

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inhaled dust in the environment can trigger specific reactions in the airways and cause various respiratory diseases. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the lung function and functional capacity of foundry workers who are exposed to metals and use effective control measures. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was realized with 108 workers at a bronze foundry and machining plant and in maintenance at a private university, both in Brazil. The workers were divided into two groups: the study group exposed to metals but using risk control measues and a control group not exposed to metal work. The Medical Research Council …Questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered, and lung function and functional capacity were evaluated. Comparative statistics were used to identify differences in the outcome measures between the two groups. RESULTS: The groups had similar personal and anthropometric characteristics and time on the job. Spirometry and peak expiratory flow presented no significant differences between the groups. And there was also no statistically significant difference between groups in functional capacity as assessed by performance on the six-minute walk test. CONCLUSION: Foundry industry workers in Brazil who were exposed to metal but used risk control measures had similar lung function and functional capacity when compared to the control group who were not exposed to metal. This is a positive results and maybe related to age, time exposure and control of occupational hazards. However, these workers need to continue being monitored in longitudinal studies. Show more

Keywords: Pulmonary function test, exercise test, metallurgy, respiratory protective device

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152124

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 581-587, 2015

Authors: Alkhatib, Ahmad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sedentariness and physical inactivity are often reported within white-collar workers, including university campus employees. However, the prevalence of the associated sedentary risk factors and risk reduction intervention strategies within a university campus workplace are less known. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates whether the prevalence of sedentary risk factors within university campus employees could be reduced with a campus based exercise intervention. METHODS: 56 UK university employees (age = 50.7 ± 10.2, stature = 1.68.8 ± 8.6, body mass = 73.9 ± 15.1) were tested for body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and maximal cardiorespiratory capacity (V …̇ O 2 max ). The prevalence was analyzed across genders and job roles. An exercise intervention followed for the sedentary employees involving walking and running for 25 min twice/week for 10 weeks at an intensity corresponding to individual’s ventilatory threshold (VT). RESULTS: The university workplace demonstrated a prevalence of higher BMI, SBP and DBP than the recommended healthy thresholds, with gender having a significant effect. Males’ BMI, SBP and DBP were higher than in females (p  <  0.05) and males’ V ̇ O 2 max was lower than the recommended healthy thresholds. The exercise training intervention significantly improved V ̇ O 2 max , VT and VT velocity in both genders (all p  <  0.05) with both groups meeting the recommended thresholds following the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: University campus employees have a high prevalence of sedentary risk factors across different genders and job roles. These risks can be reduced by an exercise-based intervention administered within the campus workplace, which should be considered in university workplace policies. Show more

Keywords: Physical activity, job, gender, cardiovascular

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152182

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 589-595, 2015

Authors: Lagacé, Martine | Nahon-Serfaty, Isaac | Laplante, Joelle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Public representations of ageing can influence how individuals perceive their own experience of ageing. Results of studies on the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)’s governmental messages on older workers suggest that they are mainly constructed around economic productivity and personal responsibility. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to examine how the Canadian government frames issues around ageing, work and older workers. Canada is facing a rapidly ageing workforce, hence the importance of examining how the government discusses ageing at work. METHOD: A thematic content analysis was conducted on a total of 154 …government web pages. RESULTS: Results revealed that predominant themes revolve around economic challenges resulting from an ageing workforce. Older workers are depicted as a key component for the (economic) management of an ageing workforce. More specifically, older workers who intend to continue working are highly valued in the government’s messages which present them as productive citizens and role models for “ageing well”. CONCLUSION: Canada’s response to the challenges of an ageing workforce echoes the underlying standards of positive ageing models, which may generate, perhaps inadvertently, a new form of ageism by creating intra-and intergenerational divides in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Ageism, work, content analysis, public representations

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152114

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 597-604, 2015

Authors: Metzinger, Courtney | Berg, Christine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Young adults with chronic health conditions can experience barriers to work performance, ability, and their present and future worker roles. OBJECTIVE: Work readiness resources can expand individuals’ work skills, abilities, and interests. METHODS: Five work readiness tools are presented (1) building an occupational profile, (2) generating environmental strategies, (3) on-the-job strategy use, and exploration of online tools (4) O*NET® and (5) O*NET® Interest Profiler, along with two theories (Knowles’s Andragogy and Lawton’s Ecological Model) to guide tool use. RESULTS: Use of these tools can assist young adults to better manage their …health and expand their vocational identities for success at work. CONCLUSIONS: These approaches and tools support health professionals, community partners, and vocational organizations in their efforts to help young adults with chronic conditions. Show more

Keywords: Vocational exploration, guided discovery, O*NET®, environmental press, adult learning theory

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152185

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 605-615, 2015

Authors: Luna, Iramaia | Terra da Silva, Márcia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In certain service activities, the intangibility of what is being produced hinders the vision of an expected result or product. In multi-professional teams, this difficulty becomes increasingly greater, as participants’ perceptions are conditioned to their respective fields of knowledge and different professional experiences. This is a common situation in healthcare services. OBJECTIVE: To describe and explain the work coordination process applied by multi-professional teams in order to deal with the intangibility inherent in the healthcare services. METHODS: This study involved six multi-professional teams from the public primary healthcare service in Brazil. Interviews and observations of …team meetings were carried out, with focus on the critical elements of a coordination process: work plans and routines, roles and responsibilities, knowledge sharing, and a common reference history. RESULTS: There is coexistence of two distinct coordination processes being performed in the same work activity: operational coordination , associated with activities that somehow follow standard procedures; and diagnostic coordination , associated with diagnosis construction, alternatives analysis and decision making. CONCLUSIONS: The consequences of intangibility can be overcome by mechanisms that enable a common perspective among the participants involved in the productive process, and by the team members’ familiarity with each other. Show more

Keywords: Work organization, coordination of work, health services

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152195

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 617-626, 2015