David Keen

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to assess determinants of healthcare worker (HCW) self-reported compliance with infection control procedures. A survey was conducted of HCWs in 16 healthcare facilities. A strong correlation was found between both environmental and organizational factors and self-reported compliance. No relationship was found with individual factors. Only 5% of respondents rated their training in infection control as excellent, and 30% felt they were not offered the necessary training. We concluded that compliance with infection control procedures is tied to environmental factors and organizational characteristics, suggesting that efforts to improve availability of equipment and promote a safety culture are key. Training should be offered to high-risk HCWs, demonstrating an organizational commitment to their safety.

Abstract:

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an integrated workplace-based program to reduce musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) and the impact of those injuries in healthcare workers.

Methods

A pre-/postintervention with concurrent control study design was applied-3 years of data before the program with 1 year of data during the program.

Results

Time-loss (TL) MSIs increased at the intervention site during the intervention year. However, the program returned injured employees back to work in a shorter time and, compared with average historical data, reduced compensation costs and healthcare costs associated with TL MSIs during the first year.

Conclusion

The findings that MSI-associated TL and compensation costs were significantly lower during the program illustrates the effectiveness of this program and demonstrates that increased reporting of MSIs need not be associated with increased claims costs.