Premium
Characterizing the nature of home care work and occupational hazards: A Developmental intervention study
Author(s) -
Markkanen Pia,
Quinn Margaret,
Galligan Catherine,
Sama Susan,
Brouillette Natalie,
Okyere Daniel
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.22287
Subject(s) - medicine , workforce , psychological intervention , occupational safety and health , focus group , context (archaeology) , intervention (counseling) , nursing , agency (philosophy) , work (physics) , qualitative research , business , mechanical engineering , paleontology , social science , philosophy , epistemology , pathology , marketing , sociology , engineering , economics , biology , economic growth
Background Home care (HC) aide is the fastest growing occupation, yet job hazards are under‐studied. This study documents the context of HC aide work, characterizes occupational safety and health (OSH) hazards, and identifies preventive interventions using qualitative methods. Methods We conducted 12 focus groups among aides and 26 in‐depth interviews comprising 15 HC agency, union, and insurance company representatives as well as 11 HC recipients in Massachusetts. All focus groups and interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and coded with NVIVO software. Results Major OSH concerns were musculoskeletal disorders from client care tasks and verbal abuse. Performing tasks beyond specified job duties may be an OSH risk factor. HC aides' safety and clients' safety are closely linked. Client handling devices, client evaluation, care plan development, and training are key interventions for both aides' and clients' safety. Conclusions Promoting OSH in HC is essential for maintaining a viable workforce. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:445–457, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.