The prevalence of occupational injuries among hand therapists in Australia and New Zealand.

Little research has been dedicated to the prevalence of occupational injury among hand therapists (occupational therapists and physiotherapists). This study investigates the prevalence of occupational injuries and pain in hand therapists in Australia and New Zealand. Another aim of the study was to identify risk factors and prevention strategies. A questionnaire was distributed to 155 therapists in Australia and New Zealand. One hundred and ten questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Results indicated a significant prevalence of primarily hand and upper limb injuries in hand therapists. There were 148 injuries discussed by 73 participants. Of these, 75% were described as work-related injuries. Forty percent of participants described two or more current injuries or pain sites. The most commonly reported occupational injury or pain was around the metacarpophalangeal or carpometacarpal thumb joint. Analysis of data showed no characteristics of participants that particularly put them at risk. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of injury in relation to hours of work, handedness, time since graduation, age, or sex. Participants identified possible causes of occupational injury and pain and prevention strategies. Further studies need to assess correlation between anthropometric measures and the prevalence of occupational injury. Studies also need to investigate specific prevention strategies.