Overview
Keywords: Participatory ergonomics; long term care; mode 2 research
Timeline: September 2014 - present
Researchers: Dwayne Van Eerd (Principal Investigator, University of Waterloo, Institute for Work & Health), Teresa D’Elia (Institute for Work & Health), Era Mae Ferron (Public Services Health & Safety Association, Institute for Work & Health), Benjamin Amick III (Institute for Work & Health), Claire Munhall (Institute for Work & Health), Trevor King (Institute for Work & Health), Richard Wells (University of Waterloo)
Funder: CRE-MSD
Project type: Seed grant
Sector/Workplace type: Healthcare
Theme:
Theme
5
Implementation
Background/rational
MSDs and slips, trips and falls are a major source of occupational injuries in healthcare workers. This new research builds upon established relationships from a one-year Employees Participating in Change (EPIC) program implementation in three long-term care (LTC) facilities. This project will connect researchers, PSHSA personnel, industry administrators and frontline staff to improve a participatory change program for LTC.
Research question/objectives/methods
This project aims to answer the following research question: What are LTC stakeholder perspectives on the development, implementation and evaluation of a participatory change program?
Interviews and an interactive workshop will inform knowledge of best participatory change program implementation practices in LTC, streamline program consultants’ roles, and maximize knowledge transfer and outcome sharing at all levels. Additionally, stakeholders will participate in the development of program training materials as well as a new client-handling component that will be added to the current participatory injury prevention program.
Expected outcomes and implications:
- Perspectives from Program Champions on the challenges and successes based on their experiences in the EPIC pilot program
- Stakeholder perspectives on improving the EPIC program and implementation for delivery in the LTC sector
- Stakeholder centered research evaluation plan that can be applied in upcoming grant applications
- Best practices for knowledge transfer and sharing across LTC sites engaged in participatory change
While specific to the EPIC program, it is expected that these outcomes can be applied to other participatory change programs in LTC.
Key findings
In progress
Implications for the prevention of MSD
In progress
Knowledge dissemination
In progress