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.
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.
Authors: Ryan Olson; Sharon V Thompson; Diane L Elliot; Jennifer A Hess; Kristy Luther Rhoten; Kelsey N Parker; Robert R Wright; Brad Wipfli; Katrina M Bettencourt; Annie Buckmaster; Miguel Marino Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2016-08-23 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Sara C Keller; Sara E Cosgrove; Michael Kohut; Amanda Krosche; Huai-En Chang; Deborah Williams; Ayse P Gurses Journal: Am J Infect Control Date: 2018-11-22 Impact factor: 2.918
Authors: Pia Markkanen; Catherine Galligan; Angela Laramie; June Fisher; Susan Sama; Margaret Quinn Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2015-04-11 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Margaret M Quinn; Pia K Markkanen; Catherine J Galligan; Susan R Sama; David Kriebel; Rebecca J Gore; Natalie M Brouillette; Daniel Okyere; Chuan Sun; Laura Punnett; Angela K Laramie; Letitia Davis Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 2015-07-24 Impact factor: 4.402
Authors: P Kontos; A Grigorovich; B Nowrouzi; B Sharma; J Lewko; T Mollayeva; A Colantonio Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2017-10-18 Impact factor: 3.295