Work - Volume 69, issue 3

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213511

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 711-711, 2021

Authors: Khajehnasiri, Farahnaz | Zaroushani, Vida | Poursadeqiyan, Mohsen

Article Type: Letter

Keywords: COVID-19, occupational health, health workers, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210412

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 713-714, 2021

Authors: Khan, Shaida | Kramer, Alan | McIver, Johnathan | Cady, Leah | Trivedi, Jaya R.

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the face of health care delivery. Health care institutions rapidly transitioned to telehealth to provide care to patients. Prior to the pandemic, telehealth services extended mostly to patients with established diagnoses. Driven by a necessity to provide care to all patients during the pandemic, neurologists started evaluating new patients also via telehealth. OBJECTIVE: To explore opportunities, challenges, and feasibility of telehealth for new patients with neuromuscular disorders. METHODS: New patient visits performed in our neuromuscular clinic were analyzed from March 18, 2020 - July 31, 2020. Data …collected included visit volume, demographics, geographic distance of patient’s residence from our institution, and no-show and cancellation rates. RESULTS: Total number of patients seen was 1,471; 472 (32%) were new patients. No-show and cancellation rates for telehealth visits were lower than historical in-person visits. There was a wide range of ages (35–74 years) with representation of new patients from a large geographical territory. CONCLUSION: This study advances our understanding regarding the adoption and implementation of telehealth for new patients. Our clinic was able to provide timely access and care to a significant number of patients who could not travel to our institution during COVID-19. Show more

Keywords: Virtual care, challenges, feasibility, neurology, quality care

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210503

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 715-719, 2021

Authors: Jin, Haizhe | Chen, Yuxiao | Fu, Quanwei | Qu, Qingxing

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the spread of COVID-19 and the worsening global prevention and control situation, the risk of infection faced by health workers has been unprecedented. It is necessary to fully understand the occupational risks of health workers to protect them and reduce their risk of infection. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to obtain comprehensive and detailed information on occupational risk factors of infectious diseases for HWs in different dimensions and to propose control strategies for three risk dimensions to protect HWs who are at high risk of infection during the pandemic. METHODS: A total number of 619 …articles published from 2010 to 2021 were searched to conduct bibliometric analysis, which were retrieved in the Web of Science database with defined search terms. There were 26 articles met the criteria, and they were screened to identify occupational risk factors. RESULTS: We conducted an analysis of cited institutions, co-citation network analysis of journals, and references from bibliometric analysis. Nine risk factors were extracted, and they were classified and sorted into three dimensions. Infection control strategies for each dimension were proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of infection faced by HWs is unprecedented. Medical institutions should pay more attention to the nine risk factors that we identified and use the three risk dimensions to carry out risk identification and infection control to reduce the infection risk of HWs and protect them better. Show more

Keywords: Coronavirus 2, occupational safety, infection risk factors, infection control strategies, bibliometric analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210477

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 721-734, 2021

Authors: Kaya, Ferit | Pirincci, Edibe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vaccines are a new combat strategy against COVID-19. The success of a large number of vaccines and the continued development of vaccines will change the course of the current pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of serious adverse reactions caused by the administration of inactive vaccine administration on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted among healthcare professionals working in city a Training and Research Hospital and applied to have the second dose of CoronaVac vaccine. The number of personnel included in the study …were 329. The data were recorded in the SPSS 23 program and the chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The average age of the participants in the study was 35.77±9.07. Of the participants, 28.1%were physicians. The frequency ratio of those who stated that they had serious adverse reactions after vaccination was 33.2%. Three most common systemic serious adverse reactions were headache, state of sleep/fatigue, and nausea and vomiting respectively. Serious adverse reactions occurred within 1.14±04 days after vaccine administration. The average duration of serious adverse reactions was determined as 1.68±0.77 days. 62.2%of the participants with serious side effects were women (p  < 0.001). Of the participants who had serious adverse reactions, 77.5%were health care professionals (p  < 0.01). CONCLUSION: No life-threatening serious adverse reaction was determined regarding the CoronaVac vaccine administered in this study. However, local serious adverse reactions, nausea/vomiting, fever and sleepiness/fatigue occurred frequently. Further studies are required on the newly introduced vaccine. Show more

Keywords: Pandemic, healthcare professionals, fever, injection site, hospital, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210473

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 735-739, 2021

Authors: Argus, Martin | Pääsuke, Mati

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 lockdown caused a sudden change in the work culture and environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown caused changes in musculoskeletal pain (MSP), physical activity (PA), workplace properties, and their in-between relationships among office workers. METHODS: A total of 161 office workers (64.6%female) with a mean age of 38.2±9.5 years participated. The study was conducted as an online form. Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, NORDIC Questionnaire, and questions about the work environment were used. The participants were asked to describe the current situation and retrospectively the situation …3 months before. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in the prevalence of MSP or between the mean number of body regions suffering from MSP before and during the lockdown. During the lockdown, a significant (p  < 0.001) reduction in total PA and sport-related PA and a significant (p  < 0.001) increase in work-related PA was noted. A significant drop in both workplace comfort rating (p  < 0.05) and workplace ergonomics rating (p  < 0.001) was suggested during the lockdown. Our data also suggested several individual factors influencing the MSP among office workers during the lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining habitual physical activity level and preparing a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace can play a role in a healthier transition to working from home. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, musculoskeletal pain, office workers, physical activity, work environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210033

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 741-749, 2021

Authors: Barac, Anja | Krnjaic, Paola | Vujnovic, Nikola | Matas, Nino | Runjic, Edita | Rogoznica, Marija | Markic, Josko | Jelicic Kadic, Antonia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 presents a threat to the mental health of the medical staff working with COVID-19 patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of working during the COVID-19 pandemic on resident physicians. METHODS: The study was conducted via anonymous online survey and included resident physicians. The survey contained questions about sociodemographic information, general job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their personal lives. RESULTS: This study included a response from 728 resident physicians. The majority of residents rated that the COVID-19 pandemic had a mostly negative impact on …their satisfaction with professional life (59.9%) and quality of work (62.8%), their personal lives (44.7%) and quality of life (57.1%). Half of all residents indicated that they did not have enough personal protective equipment (PPE). About one-third of residents indicated that the level of stress at work during the COVID-19 pandemic was higher. CONCLUSIONS: Working as resident physicians during COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on participants’ professional and personal lives. Residents did not have all the necessary PPE nor felt safe working with patients with suspected or proven COVID-19. Further action is needed to provide support for physician residents working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Show more

Keywords: Internship, residency, surveys and questionnaires

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205253

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 751-758, 2021

Authors: Anzar, Wajiha | Afaq, Ashar | Baig, Qaiser Ali | Mohamed, Osama Y. | Bukhari, Ishfaq A | Vohra, Fahim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In dental settings, COVID-19 can be transmitted directly from patients to dentists through small droplets, saliva splashes, blood, and other body fluids liberated as a result of dental procedures. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of ocular and facial injuries in dental professionals and to investigate factors in dental practice contributing to ocular injuries. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed in public and private sector universities. The study had 301 participants including final year undergraduate students, interns, postgraduate trainees, general practitioners, and dental specialists. Data were gathered online using Google forms. Information on sociodemographic, practice …details, history of ocular and facial encounters during the clinical experience, and protective measures adopted by the dentists were collected. Means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables whereas frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. A Chi-square test was applied for association between variables. RESULTS: Ocular events and facial injuries occurred more in females 204 (67.8%) than in males 97(32.2%). Final year students reported more incidence of ocular encounters than specialists (40.9%, 3.3%). Dentists working in the government sector underwent more ocular encounters than those in private sectors 185(61.4%) and 96 (31.8%). Majority of participants reported that scaling was the procedure in which dentists experienced an ocular event. A significant association was found between ocular events, qualification, years of experience in clinical practice, number of patients treated per day, improper posture, and proper armamentarium (p  < 0.05). However, no association was found between ocular events, gender, working sector, and dental procedures. CONCLUSION: Occurrence of ocular injuries were high compared to facial injuries and these outcomes were dependent on dental expertise and experiences. Appropriate measures should be adopted to minimize the risk of disease transmission and COVID-19 through the eyes among practicing dentists. Show more

Keywords: Dental settings, aerosols, saliva, dentists, ocular, injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205101

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 759-766, 2021

Authors: Sizemore, Leslie M. | Peganoff-O’Brien, Shirley | Skubik-Peplaski, Camille

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has had a significant effect on all aspects of life and occupational performance most recently. OBJECTIVE: This aim of this article was to discuss the concept of interference and the role that interference plays in productivity and potential across healthcare settings. METHODS: The framework design was the application of Bolea and Atwater’s interference framework to probe the COVID-19 pandemic within healthcare organizations. RESULTS: Leadership that focuses on transparency, frequent metric measurement can increase potential and then managing for unintended consequences can foster optimal occupational performance for both the practitioner and client. …CONCLUSION: Interference is a critical concept in understanding organizational behavior. Transparent leadership is needed to adequately support organizations to create resilience in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Leadership, organizational behavior, occupational therapy, communication

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213512

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 767-774, 2021

Authors: Bhardwaj, Siddharth | Khan, Abid Ali | Muzammil, Mohammad

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the increasing rate of ambulatory disabilities and rise in the elderly population, advance methods to deliver the rehabilitation and assistive services to patients have become important. Lower limb robotic therapeutic and assistive aids have been found to improve the rehabilitation outcome. OBJECTIVE: The article aims to present the updated understanding in the field of lower limb rehabilitation robotics and identify future research avenues. METHODS: Groups of keywords relating to assistive technology, rehabilitation robotics, and lower limb were combined and searched in EMBASE, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar database. …RESULTS: Based on the literature collected from the databases we provide an overview of the understanding of robotics in rehabilitation and state of the art devices for lower limb rehabilitation. Technological advancements in rehabilitation robotic architecture (sensing, actuation and control) and biomechanical considerations in design have been discussed. Finally, a discussion on the major advances, research directions, and challenges is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of robotics has shown a promising approach to rehabilitation and reducing the burden on caregivers, extensive and innovative research is still required in both cognitive and physical human-robot interaction to achieve treatment efficacy and efficiency. Show more

Keywords: Biomechatronic, rehabilitation robotics, assistive devices, lower limb, robot architecture.

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205012

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 775-793, 2021