Authors
Markkanen-P; Quinn-M; Galligan-C; Chalupka-S; Davis-L; Laramie-A
Source
J Occup Environ Med 2007 Mar; 49(3):327-337
Abstract
Objective: Home health care (HHC) is one of the fastest growing US industries. Its working conditions have been challenging to evaluate, because the work environments are highly variable and geographically dispersed. This study aims to characterize qualitatively the work experience and hazards of HHC clinicians, with a focus on risk factors for bloodborne pathogen exposures. Methods: The researchers conducted five focus group discussions with HHC clinicians and ten in-depth interviews with HHC agency managers and trade union representatives in Massachusetts. Results: HHC clinicians face serious occupational hazards, including violence in neighborhoods and homes, lack of workstations, heavy patient lifting, improper disposal of dressings or sharp medical devices, and high productivity demands. Conclusions: The social context of the home-work environment challenges the implementation of preventive interventions to reduce occupational hazards in HHC.
Keywords
Demographic-characteristics; Psychological-stress; Occupational-health; Health-surveys; Work-areas; Work-environment; Safety-climate; Health-services; Health-care-personnel; Ergonomics; Worker-health; Work-performance; Work-analysis; Sanitation
Contact
Pia Markkanen, ScD, Department of Work Environment, Kitson 200, School of Health and Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
Pia_Markkanen@uml.edu
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R01-OH-008229
Source Name
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Performing Organization
University of Massachusetts - Lowell