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Price: EUR 250.00Authors: Honkonen, Niina | Lamminpää, Anne | Liira, Juha
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work ability meetings (WAM) are an essential and common tool of disability management in occupational health services in Finland. Meetings are held between an employee, a supervisor, and an occupational physician (OP). The aim is mainly to support work ability. OBJECTIVES: To describe challenges and resolutions in the meetings as described by OPs. METHODS: An internet survey was emailed to the members (n = 1304) of the Finnish Society of Occupational Health Physicians in August 2014. We asked physicians to describe those WAMs they had attended, especially challenges and resolutions concerning WAM. RESULTS: A …total of 302 (23%) OPs responded to the survey. Most severe of the challenges were personal conflicts and a lack of confidence between the parties at the workplace. Also, the participants’ views may differ about the purpose and goal of the meeting. The respondents noted that the employer might be unable to organize modified work for disabled employees. As a resolution, OPs need to prepare well and maintain their professional and neutral role in WAMs in all cases. OPs also mentioned the need for training in insurance medicine and rehabilitation as well as skills as a mediator. CONCLUSIONS: WAM is a potential tool for return to work and disability management in collaboration between employees, employers, and occupational health when all the participants reach a common goal and become aware of their role in the process. OPs need to recognize possible conflicting interests and contact each party before WAM. Keeping confidentiality in WAMs is a crucial matter. Show more
Keywords: Cooperation within the workplace, occupational health, communication, return to work, supervisor, negotiation
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230331
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2024
Authors: Bulut, Aliye | Atici, Erhan
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is crucial that emergency health workers respond to people exposed to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents appropriately and in a timely manner. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to find out how much Turkish emergency health workers know about chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards, as well as identify what possible factors contribute to their level of knowledge. METHOD: The data were collected from 321 participants using a personal information form as well as a questionnaire about chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards prepared in accordance with the literature. RESULTS: The results revealed …that the place of residence and status of choosing the profession willingly showed no difference in terms of being trained on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards (p > 0.05). Likewise, the participants under the age of 25 years, who were single and had a tenure of less than 10 years highly believed that they did ‘not have a sufficient grasp of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards’. Women also highly believed that they did ‘not have a solid grasp of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards.’ CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals who work in high-risk zones should be given compulsory training about chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards so that they become more aware of how to best deal with such situations. Show more
Keywords: CBRN threats, emergency health workers, health personnel, knowledge level
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230219
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2024
Authors: Pélissier, Carole | Varano, Mariasole | Moulin, Martine | Carcasset, Pierre | Fontana, Luc
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In a context of reorganization of the activity, of increase of the psychological, emotional and physical constraints of the nursing staff induced by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase of the anxiety disorders could occur. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders in healthcare workers (HCWs) by wards and to investigate medical, personal, and occupational factors associated with anxiety disorder. METHODS: In France, in May 2020, a monocentric observational cross-sectional study was proposed to 285 HCWs of the University Hospital of Saint Etienne, working in 3 types of …randomly selected care wards. Information was collected using an anonymous self-questionnaire offered to eligible HCWs. Validated questionnaires were used to assess anxiety (Hospital anxiety and Depression Scale) and burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory). RESULTS: Of the 164 HCWs who participated in the study (57% participation rate), 69 (42%) caregivers had anxious symptomatology. The prevalence of anxiety disorders did not differ significantly by type of wards. Anxiety disorders are significantly associated with occupational factors (increased COVID-19 stress level, increased emotional load, increased mental load, high work/life stress during confinement, emotional exhaustion and loss of empathy), with medical factors (medical history of anxiety disorders, psychotropic treatment and impaired sleep quality) and personal factors (concern about working conditions and/or media reports). CONCLUSIONS: Preventive actions focusing on organizational factors could be carried out to reduce the emotional and mental load, the level of stress and the burnout of HCWs. Show more
Keywords: First wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, mental health, occupational stress, burnout
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230428
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2024
Authors: Rogerson, Shane | Brearley, Matt
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the event of a severe occupational heat-related illness, paramedic assistance may not be immediately available. A worker’s survival may depend on their co-workers access to efficacious field-based cooling modalities. One cooling method that has been claimed to be practical in field-based settings is the ice towel method. OBJECTIVES: This case study assessed the practicality of the ice towel method in an industrial setting, where criteria for use include cost effectiveness, portability, scalability, and implementation by a single worker under the stress of an emergency. METHODS: This case study describes the emergency application of the …ice towel method while awaiting paramedics, for a worker suffering suspected exertional heat stroke on a remote job site. RESULTS: Ice towels were able to be transported to a remote field site and applied successfully by a single worker under the stress of a potentially life-threatening emergency. CONCLUSIONS: The ice towel method was cost effective, scalable, transportable, and rapidly applied in a field-based emergency. This case study demonstrates the importance of organizations assessing their heat-related risks, and determining controls based upon their efficacy and practicality for their unique setting. Show more
Keywords: Core temperature, heat stroke, heat illness, workers
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240060
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-6, 2024
Authors: Liedberg, Gunilla M. | Björk, Mathilda | Coutu, Marie-France | Durand, Marie-José | Turesson, Christina
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: A well-defined and clear procedure is a key factor supporting return-to-work and enhancing collaboration and understanding between employers and employees. The adaptation of the Tool for Support-Gradual Return to Work, TS-GRTW, addresses relevant cultural aspects valuable for wider adoption. OBJECTIVE: develop a Swedish version, the GRTWswe, for implementation and integration into the Swedish labor market’s RTW process. This involved translating, culturally adapting, and assessing the appropriateness and utility. METHODS: In the initial step, a double back translation was performed to create an initial translated version. This version was then utilized in individual consultations, accompanied by …an agreement questionnaire. For the subsequent step, group consultations were held to refine and customize the tool to suit the Swedish context. Ten occupational therapists completed the questionnaires, with mean agreement scores surpassing three on a four-point scale. Out of these, nine participated in group consultations. RESULTS: The findings suggest the requirement for specific modifications to the GRTWswe. These adaptations are essential because of cultural differences in organizational structures and reference frameworks. Moreover, participants unanimously agreed to broaden the scope of target groups, encompassing employees without regard for diagnosis and expanding the range of professions that can utilize this tool. This step aims to enhance the tool’s applicability and usefulness. CONCLUSIONS: The study found strong alignment between questionnaire responses and group consultations outcomes, affirming the adapted tool’s suitability for use in a Swedish context. The tool benefits employers and employees by enhancing communication, encouraging collaboration, and structuring processes, promising lasting improvements to work conditions. Show more
Keywords: Return-to-work, vocational rehabilitation, chronic pain, instrument development, cross cultural comparison, occupational therapist
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230665
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2024
Authors: Myles, Louise | Massy-Westropp, Nicola | Barnett, Fiona
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable assessment of hand function. Interpretation of HGS is commonly done using normative data. Normative HGS data HGS considers the influence of age and gender without adjustment for anthropometric measurements or functional factors known to influence HGS. OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential relationship of select anthropometric measurements (height, weight, hand length and width, forearm length and circumference) and functional factors (hand dominance, work and lifestyle category) to HGS. METHODS: This study included a sample of 119 males and 96 female workers from North Queensland. HGS and six anthropometric measurements were …obtained using calibrated instruments and reliable measurement protocols. Age and gender along with three functional factors were documented by self-report. RESULTS: Right and left mean HGS was greater for individuals who performed heavy/very heavy work (58.1±10.1 kg and 54.1±10.9 kg respectively) compared to light (38.5±12.3 kg and 35.5±11.8 kg) or medium work (44.1±10.8 kg and 40.0±12.9 kg). Mean HGS was greater for individuals who performed heavy/very heavy activity (right 48.5±13.6 kg and left 44.5±13.7 kg) compared to light activity (right 36.3±11.2 kg and left 33.9±11.3 kg) within their lifestyle. HGS positively correlated with gender (p = 0.0001), work (p = 0.001) and anthropometric measurements of forearm circumference (p = 0.001), hand length (p = 0.006) and hand width (p = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS: Easy to measure anthropometric measurements of forearm circumference, hand length and width are the strongest predictors of HGS in addition to an individual’s physical activity at work and in their lifestyle. Consideration of these factors could lead to improved evaluation of HGS scores. Show more
Keywords: Key words: Hand grip strength, JAMAR dynamometer, normative data, hand anthropometry
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230519
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2024
Authors: Lopes, Ester Rodrigues do Carmo | Macêdo, Flávia Pessoni Faleiros | Fifolato, Thaís Marques | Nardim, Heloisa Correa Bueno | Suzuki, Karen Ayumi Kawano | Fonseca, Marisa de Cássia Registro
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related shoulder disorders adversely affect the quality of life and lead to increased costs related to decreased productivity and injury treatment. Therefore, understanding the relationship between strength, upper extremity function and work ability contributes to the development of interventions aimed to improve the well-being of healthcare workers. OBJECTIVE: Correlate shoulder abduction and handgrip strength with upper extremity function and work ability in healthcare workers with shoulder complaints. METHODS: 67 workers with shoulder pain in the last year were assessed by Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Work Ability Index (WAI), isokinetic shoulder …strength and isometric handgrip strength dynamometers. Data were analysed with Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient (ρ = 0.05), SPSS 20.0 ® . RESULTS: 52% males, mean age 48.4 years, 42% physically active, most administrative and general services workers. Low correlation between handgrip strength and QuickDASH (r =-0.359; p = 0.004); low correlation between handgrip strength and WAI (r = 0.359; p = 0.003) and between shoulder abduction strength and the QuickDASH (r = -0.267; p = 0.049); no significant correlation between shoulder abduction strength and WAI (r = 0.001; p = 0.997). CONCLUSIONS: Handgrip and shoulder abduction strength were inversely associated with upper extremity dysfunction. Shoulder abduction strength was associated with work ability. The inclusion of strength assessment in workers is important to guide strategies to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Show more
Keywords: Occupational health, musculoskeletal disease, work, muscle strength, shoulder, pain
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230373
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2024
Authors: Jin, Haizhe | Zhou, Junnan | Zhang, Jiahao | Fu, Yongyan
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The performance of healthcare workers directly impacts patient safety and treatment outcomes. This was particularly evident during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze research trends on factors influencing work performance among healthcare workers through bibliometric analysis and conduct a comparative analysis from macro and micro perspectives before and after the COVID-19 pandemic to complement the existing research. METHODS: This study involved a bibliometric analysis of 1408 articles related to work performance in the healthcare field published between 2010 and 2023, using the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases, …and 37 articles were selected to determine the factors influencing work performance. RESULTS: By conducting a bibliometric analysis of the articles based on country, institution, journal, co-cited references, and keywords, this study identified a significant growth trend regarding the factors influencing work performance in the healthcare field, and research hotspots shifted from organizational factors like standard towards psychological factors such as burnout, anxiety, and depression following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, this study extracted 10 micro-level and 9 macro-level influencing factors from the selected articles for supplementary analysis. Furthermore, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the impact of these factors on work performance before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: This study addressed the limitations of previous studies regarding incomplete extraction of factors influencing work performance and unclear comparisons of parameters before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings provide insights and guidance for improving the performance of healthcare workers. Show more
Keywords: Healthcare workers, work performance, influencing factors, COVID-19 pandemic
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230327
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-20, 2024
Authors: Willeke, Kristina | Janson, Patrick | Kirchner, Anna | Tischer, Christina | D’Souza, Arun | Heuschmann, Peter U. | Zapf, Andreas | Wildner, Manfred | Stupp, Carolin | Keil, Thomas
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Compared to workers of larger companies it is less clear what health promoting interventions might be beneficial for employees of small businesses and self-employed individuals. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to critically appraise trials investigating health promotion programs among small business workers and self-employed individuals, by means of a systematic review. METHODS: We conducted a search of primary studies using MEDLINE, Web of Science, LIVIVO and the Cochrane library. Our assessment followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA. RESULTS: We identified six trials including 5,854 participants from …Asia, North America and Australia. Most were of moderate methodological quality, only one was of low quality. Some of the supervised psycho-educational lifestyle programs focusing on individual behavior changes showed benefits in terms of stress reduction and increased physical activity levels among small enterprise employees. CONCLUSIONS: There is a huge knowledge gap on evidence-based health promotion interventions for self-employed and for small business workers, especially in Europe. Show more
Keywords: Intervention, small business, medium-sized business, microenterprise, occupational health, health promotion, systematic review, wellness programs
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230441
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-17, 2024
Authors: Chen, Yin-Che | Wang, Yu-Hsiang | Chu, Hui-Chuang
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace friendships, which are informal relationships in the workplace, foster mutual trust, assistance, and emotional support and create a sense of belonging among coworkers. Employees with positive perceptions of their job responsibilities, psychological needs, and work environment experience happiness, satisfaction, and an overall sense of well-being. A heightened sense of well-being in the workplace positively affects employee satisfaction with job tasks and the work environment, reinforcing employees’ sense of belonging and organizational commitment. OBJECTIVE: The study proposed and validated a theoretical model, with meta-analytic structural equation modeling employed to conduct quantitative, empirical research on workplace friendships, well-being, …and organizational commitment in Taiwan and to analyze correlations between relevant variables. METHODS: The theoretical model was further validated through structural equation modeling, which yielded favorable goodness of fit in terms of various indicators. RESULTS: The mediating effect of well-being was verified through bootstrapping analysis. Within a 95% confidence interval, the total effect size of workplace friendships on organizational commitment was 0.549, which is the sum of its direct effect (0.255) and indirect effect (0.294). CONCLUSIONS: This finding indicates that well-being plays a mediating role in the association between workplace friendships and organizational commitment. The proposed theoretical model in this study is supported. Finally, the research results are discussed, and practical suggestions are provided. Show more
Keywords: Workplace friendship, well-being, organizational commitment, meta-analytic structural equation modeling
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230482
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2024
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