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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Pia K. Markkanen, ScD¹, Margaret M. Quinn, ScD, CIH¹, Stephanie Chalupka, EdD, APRN², Deborah Chaulk, MSc², Letitia Davis, ScD³, Natalia Firsova, MA³, Catherine Galligan, MSc¹, and Angela Laramie, MPH³. (1) Department of Work Environment, School of Health and Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, 978-934-4314, Pia_Markkanen@uml.edu, (2) Department of Nursing, School of Health and Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 3 Solomont Way, Lowell, MA 01854, (3) Occupational Health Surveillance Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, 6th floor, Boston, MA 02108

Home health care (HHC) is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. Occupational health and safety (OHS) conditions have been difficult to evaluate because the work environments are highly variable and geographically dispersed. Our objective was to characterize the work experience and OHS hazards of home healthcare providers, with particular focus on blood exposures and injuries from sharp medical devices (sharps). Two qualitative research methods were used to identify the hazards and the type of information yielded by the methods was compared. We conducted five focus group discussions with HHC providers (nurses and aides) and ten one-on-one, in-depth interviews with HHC agency managers and trade union representatives. Both methods identified a similar set of OHS hazards, although from different perspectives. Each method also provided new information. HHC hazards included time and productivity pressures; aggressive patients and family members; heavy lifting and moving patients; lack of work stations; personal safety and security concerns while in the field alone; and unsafe residences with clutter, poor sanitation, and inadequate lighting. HHC providers described vivid details of patient care, like sudden profuse bleedings or dangerous distractions during a medical procedure. Managers described elements of the work organization and management systems potentially related to OHS hazards. Both managers and trade unionists offered broad views on workplace safety policies and information needs for safer homecare work. Together the results of these methods provide a fuller evaluation of HHC work than either method alone.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Describe the working conditions and work organization of home health care providers.
• 2. Identify occupational health and safety hazards in home health care as well as risk factors for sharps injuries and blood exposures.
• 3. Analyze difference in data obtained by two qualitative research methods.

Keywords: Home Care, Health Care Workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation