Implementing an Integrated Health Protection/Health Promotion Intervention in the Hospital Setting

Abstract

Objective To report findings from a proof-of-concept trial designed to examine the feasibility and estimate the efficacy of the “Be Well, Work Well” workplace intervention. Methods The intervention included consultation for nurse managers to implement changes on patient care units and educational programming for patient care staff to facilitate improvements in safety and health behaviors. We used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate feasibility and efficacy. Results Using findings from process tracking and qualitative research, we observed challenges to implementing the intervention due to the physical demands, time constraints and psychological strains of patient care. Using survey data, we found no significant intervention effects. Conclusions Beyond educating individual workers, system-wide initiatives that respond to conditions of work may be needed to transform the workplace culture and broader milieu in support of worker health and safety.

Lifting and exertion injuries decrease after implementation of an integrated hospital-wide safe patient handling and mobilisation programme

“…In the comparison Hospital B, the Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing implemented a unit level intervention in 4 units 18. The intervention targeted safety patient handling practices as well as worker health, including sleep, diet and physical activity.…”

“…Prior to the initiation of this study, both hospitals had limited success in improving safe patient handling and mobilisation practices 15 18. While the hospitals had invested in lifting devices and slings, only a few isolated areas within the hospitals were using the equipment consistently.…”

“…For Hospital B, we also invited a random sample of 33% (785) of all eligible workers except for workers in 8 units where we invited all (482). The 8 units were part of a proof-of-concept trial described previously 18. The survey informed participants that by completing the survey, they indicated consent.…”

“…Both surveys assessed self-reported pain in the past 3 months and pain severity in the past week 7 18. For the past 3 months, any pain and pain in specific body regions was assessed using a modified question from the Pro-Care Survey (NordicQ) 24.…”

“…The programme evaluations utilised data generated in the context of a two-hospital study of the health and safety of direct patient care workers that surveyed workers before and after the programme initiation18 and developed and maintained an integrated worker health and safety database 5 19. Through these worker surveys and the administrative database, the programme evaluation measured the impact on patient handling work practices, workers' self-reported musculoskeletal pain symptoms and recordable worker injury rates.…”