Evaluation of MSOT students' didactic knowledge and practice vs. real-time performance in manual patient transfers.

BACKGROUND: Due to the nature of its occupations, the healthcare industry recognizes that manually lifting, transferring, and handling patients are high-risk activities and leading factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Research studies highlight that students are not receiving adequate training in manual patient transfer. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the procedural knowledge in patient transfer of second-year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy students and their practical skills in performing a manual patient transfer. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study included 23 occupational therapy students. Students completed the transfer technique knowledge assessment and subsequently performed a real-time manual patient transfer. RESULTS: No significant association was found between the participants' knowledge and performance in MPT (x2(2) = 0.578, p = 0.749). All students scored highly on the knowledge assessment (µ= 9.3, SD =±1.02); however, the performance on real-time manual patient transfer was moderate (µ= 11.57, SD =±3.37) for the majority of students. CONCLUSION: A gap exists between the results of students' knowledge and practice versus real-time performance in manual patient transfer. The practical training students receive on manual patient transfers in the academic setting may not equip them with the necessary skills and techniques to perform safe transfers.

Manifestation of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Its Association With Somatic Symptoms Among Occupational and Physical Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the level of generalized anxiety disorder among occupational and physical therapists during treatment sessions and its association with somatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. Data were collected during the month of April 2021, and the study included occupational and physical therapists who practiced during COVID-19 from March 2020 to March 2021. The generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) and a modified patient health questionnaire (mPHQ-15) were used to examine self-reported anxiety and somatic symptoms among the study participants. The independent t-test was used to determine differences between groups based on GAD-7 and mPHQ-15 results. Spearman's correlation test and chi-squared test were used to find the relationships between different variables such as anxiety and somatic symptoms. Results: The study (n = 98 participants) included 56 occupational and 42 physical therapists. An 84% response rate was achieved. GAD-7 final score was µ = 9.21 ± 5.63 with 27% reporting no anxiety, 14% mild, 38% moderate, and 21% severe. Independent t-tests on GAD-7 scores showed significant differences between therapist specializations [t(96) = -2.256; p = 0.026] and between therapists residing with or without their parents [t(96) = -2.536; p = 0.013]. The mPHQ-15 final score was µ = 9.52 ± 5.54 with 13% reporting no symptoms (n = 13), 20% mild (n = 20), 38% moderate (n = 37), and 29% severe (n = 28). GAD-7 and mPHQ-15 scores were moderately positively correlated [r(96) = 0.569; p <0.000]. The chi-squared test showed a significant association between GAD-7 levels of anxiety and mPHQ-15 levels of somatic symptoms [x2(9, N = 98) = 70.62 p <0.000]. Therapists reported that the quality (76%) and effectiveness (20%) of their rehabilitation services were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The majority of study participants experienced moderate to severe anxiety and associated somatic symptoms. During COVID-19, ongoing psychological counseling of healthcare professionals such as occupational and physical therapists is required to maintain positive mental health. Implications for practice are presented.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related Lower Back Pain among Radiographers in the State of Kuwait.

BACKGROUND: Work-related lower back pain (WrLBP) is a global health issue and a rising concern in the State of Kuwait. The prevalence and the risk factors of WrLBP among radiographers are not well documented. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the one-year prevalence, characteristics, impact, and physical risk factors of WrLBP among radiographers in the State of Kuwait. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 200 radiographers. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, physical risk factors, and the occurrence of WrLBP in the previous 12 months. Descriptive statistics, frequency calculations, and chi-square analyses were performed. RESULTS: One hundred forty-six radiographers completed and returned the questionnaires with a response rate of 73% (146/200). The one-year prevalence of WrLBP was 16%. The prevalence of WrLBP was not significantly associated with the participants' demographics. Although WrLBP was significantly associated with work demands, the overall impact of WrLBP on work duties was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of WrLBP among radiographers in Kuwait was low, particularly when compared to healthcare providers involved in more patient handling and direct contact. However, various physical risk factors were identified. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of a treatment and prevention program on the prevalence of WrLBP.

Effect of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders on Psychosocial Health and Well-Being: A Qualitative Study.

The present study investigated perceived psychosocial dis¬tress in young to middle-aged workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Miami, USA. Eight participants with work injuries were subjected to in-depth interviews to understand their psychosocial distress experiences. Phenomenological analysis was used to develop patterns, categories, and themes. Trustworthiness techniques were applied to ensure that data analysis was performed in an exhaustive method. Interview analysis revealed three themes: the materiality of work, development of psychosocial distress, and generating adaptive responses. Work injuries were reported to disrupt and challenge all aspects of the participants' lives, including work, home, family, and personally. When coupled with the significance of materiality of work, WMSDs potentially triggered psychosocial distresses and limited participation in daily activities at home and work. Participants with injuries encountered occupational challenges that created a press for mastery and initiated adaptive responses. Accordingly, successful adaptive responses reduced psychosocial distress and physical symptoms, promoted family stability, and facilitated expected roles and responsibilities to be performed by participants. Rehabilitation of occupational injuries education programs should emphasize the use of psychosocial interventions and the development of appropriate adaptive responses in conjunction with physical interventions while treating workers with WMSDs.

Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of dentists in Kuwait and the impact on health and economic status.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have become a great health issue among dentists. However, it is never been examined among dentists in the State of Kuwait. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to define the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among dentists in the State of Kuwait, to identify risk factors for WMSD, and to explore relationships between WMSD and absenteeism/productivity. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to dentists at government, private, and academic dental clinics. RESULTS: A total of 186 questionnaires were returned (80% response rate). The results showed that 88 (47%) of responding dentists experienced WMSDs. Dentists self-reporting WMSD were older (36.4 (10.3) years vs. 32.6 (9.33); P = 0.01), in practice longer (11.7 (10.4) years vs. 8.2 (8.4); P = 0.013), and worked longer hours (34.9 (10.6) hours vs. 30.4 (11.5); P = 0.08) than dentists not reporting WMSD. A significant association was found between rating of pain and lost days from work (x2 (10, n = 85) = 20.96, ρ = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Dentists' occupational procedures expose their bodies to prolonged and awkward postures, thereby subjecting the dentists to unnatural forces and stresses on crucial movement and functioning joints. Cumulative exposures to such postures lead to WMSDs. Generally, WMSD has a considerable impact on the health and economic status of the individual, family, and workplace. WMSD increases absenteeism and reduces productivity.

Physical therapists with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the State of Kuwait: A comparison across countries and health care professions.

BACKGROUND: In the US, as the demands for rehabilitation services increase, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have increased among rehabilitation practitioners. This trend has been noticed among physical therapists (PTs) in the State of Kuwait. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with WMSDs among PTs in Kuwait over a 12-month period. In addition, the result compared across countries and health care professions. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the PT departments at Kuwait government hospitals and schools. A total of 312 returned questionnaires (69.3% response rate) were received. RESULTS: Results showed that 149 (48%) PT respondents experienced WMSDs. The lower back and muscle spasm were the most common area of the body injured and type of injury, respectively. Manual therapy techniques and patient transfers were most common activities associated with injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PTs with WMSDs in Kuwait was high and similar to other studies of PTs with WMSDs working in other countries. The performance of work activities was the leading risk factor for WMSDs, and WMSDs were prevalent among industrialized, industrially developing, and underdeveloped countries. Education of PTs regarding ergonomic and biomechanical principles as well as hands-on training of patient handling are the key tools to help prevent WMSDs.

Occupational Therapy Practitioners with Occupational Musculoskeletal Injuries: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of occupational musculoskeletal injuries (OMIs) among occupational therapy practitioners over a 12-month period. METHOD: A self-administered questionnaire mailed to 500 randomly selected practicing occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) living in the state of Texas. RESULTS: A response rate of 38 % was attained with 192 questionnaires returned. In a 12-months working period, 23 % of occupational therapy practitioners experienced musculoskeletal injuries. Muscle strain (52 %) was most reported injury and lower back (32 %) was most injured body part. Years of practicing experience (t = 2.83, p = 0.01), and age x(2)(2, N = 192) = 8.28, p = 0.02 were found as significant factors associated with injuries among OTAs. No factors were significantly associated with injuries among OTs. CONCLUSION: Patient handling was the primary factor associated with injuries. Also, minimal experience and older age were concluded as risk factors that might contribute to OMIs.

Effect of chair design on ratings of discomfort.

The purpose of this study was to determine if ratings of discomfort differ over time between two ergonomic chairs of the same approximate cost. Twenty participants from a metropolitan university sat on two types of ergonomic chairs for 90~minutes in each of two sessions while performing typing, reading, and writing tasks. Repeated measures three-way and two-way analyses of variance were used to examine the effect of the ergonomic chair design on rating of discomfort. Data were collected using the General Comfort Rating Scale (GCRS) and the Body Part Discomfort Rating Scale (BPDRS), which were administered at 0, 30, 60, and 90 minute marks of each session. The results revealed: 1) discomfort was not related to the type of chair, 2) discomfort increased over time, 3) discomfort was influenced by the task performed while sitting, 4) discomfort level decreased when switching between different chairs, and 5) most discomfort was reported in the low back and lower arms.

Psychosocial issues of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and adaptation: a phenomenological study.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the meaning of work, causes of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMIs), related psychosocial issues, and adaptation of ten occupational therapy practitioners. Data were collected using interview technique. Emergent themes suggested that the practitioners participating in this study perceived the meaning of occupational therapy as both helping others and providing a sense of identity and satisfaction. Combinations of work, patient and practitioner characteristics were associated with WRMIs, which led to participation restriction and limitation in work duties, activities of daily living, and leisure and social activities. As a result, participants experienced psychosocial problems including depression and dissatisfaction. Participants generated adaptive responses to meet the occupational challenges and to improve their occupational performance. Findings supported the centrality of occupation and its impact on all aspects of the worker with an aquired disability due WRMI.

Occupational musculoskeletal injuries in the health care environment and its impact on occupational therapy practitioners: a systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the occupational and personal factors associated with occupational musculoskeletal injuries among health care providers and to identify the psychosocial issues as a result of the injuries. Then, an extrapolation developed to link the potential risks to occupational therapy practitioners. The inclusion criteria that developed from ten articles was based on content from the health and social science literatures. Searches were conducted via internet databases, hard-copy search of bibliographies, and citation review of article references. This review included 22 research studies over the past fifteen years (1990-2005). Classic scientific research studies and classical readings that went beyond the specified period were also included. The review revealed that patient handling was the most common occupational factor to cause work-related injuries. Inexperience and young age were major personal factors associated with injuries. Fear, anger, isolation, inability to perform duties and leisure activities were common psychosocial issues as a result of the injuries. It was extrapolated that occupational therapy practitioners were at risk for occupational musculoskeletal injuries. Future studies are recommended to examine the prevalence and risk factors specific to occupational therapy practitioners.