A novel tool to address safety hazards in the home healthcare setting

Objectives: A recent study conducted on occupational health hazards in home healthcare (HHC) found a high prevalence of hazards and a significant association between the frequency of exposure to various household hazards and adverse outcomes in HHC workers. Household hazards have the potential to affect quality of patient care and safety, healthcare outcomes, and cost. These hazards could also adversely impact the health and well-being of HHC workers.

Method: To characterize household safety hazards in the HHC setting, a low cost, low technology safety survey tool was developed. The tool was field tested with the active engagement of HHC workers using participatory action research (PAR) methodology.

Results: Exploratory data analysis will be conducted on the safety survey items to determine descriptive statistics, such as frequency counts, percentages, calculation of means, modes, median, etc. An array of descriptive statistics will be performed to characterize the distribution of hazards. Study findings will be presented to HHC workers who will be asked to provide feedback, both on the data findings as well as the process.

Conclusions: This study serves as an important first step in reducing the risk of injury and illness related to household hazards in the HHC sector. The recommendations provided by the HHC workers during the PAR meetings will help to determine the feasibility of conducting this hazard assessment during routine home healthcare visits.