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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Alicia M. Johnson¹, Ann Marie Dale, OTR/L¹, Jaime Kleinheider, MA¹, Pat Venditti², and Brad Evanoff, MD, MPH¹. (1) Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Campus Box 8005, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, 314-454-8174, aliciamjohnson@yahoo.com, (2) BJC Corporate Health Services, 5000 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63110

Background: Occupational health research is highly dependent on the cooperation and participation of employers. We describe reasons for non-participation in a prospective study examining the cost-effectiveness of post-offer, pre-placement carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) screening. Understanding and properly addressing employers' concerns will assist investigators in achieving research goals.

Methods: Human resources and safety directors of manufacturing, telecommunication, distribution, healthcare, and construction companies were contacted via mail, fax, email, and telephone to solicit participation in the CTS study. Explanations for non-participation were recorded and reviewed.

Data from one participating employer was reviewed to determine if workers' compensation (WC) claims increased as a result of study recruitment efforts among workers.

Results: A total of 54 eligible, employers declined participation. The most common reasons stated included liability concerns (awareness of the study may increase WC claims) (24.1%), unspecified lack of interest (20.4%), lack of direct benefit to the employer (16.7%), and time constraints (14.8%).

WC claim rates for upper extremity strains and repetitive motion were analyzed comparing the period 18 months prior to and 18 months following study inception at the largest participating employer (n=308). Claim rates showed no change in trend pre and post study inception; no workers enrolled in the study filed a WC claim during this period.

Discussion: Expanding much needed research to understand and prevent occupational injuries and illnesses requires addressing employers' concerns and promotion of research benefits. This study described common reasons for non-participation and demonstrated that WC claims did not increase after research participation.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Evaluate employers’ potential concerns regarding research participation
• Address an employer’s concerns over increase workers’ compensation claims due to research participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered