Participatory Research to Assess and Improve Workplace Safety for Home Care Workers

Oregon's consumer-driven in-home care program is an important alternative to institutionalized care for seniors and people with disabilities. The program facilitates autonomy for the consumers receiving services and reduced costs to the state. However, the workplace setting within the consumer's home and the complex employer/employee relationship may render the home care worker (HCW) vulnerable to injury or harassment. Working closely with study partners - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 503, and the State of Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC) - this study aims to investigate and address workplace violence and sexual harassment perpetrated by consumers-employers (and others in the homes) against HCWs. SEIU, OHCC and the study advisory board (including consumers and consumer advocates) were instrumental in the development of appropriate focus group questions and successful recruitment to focus groups. Focus groups and surveys with HCWs (n = 83) revealed that during their career, the majority of HCWs have experienced workplace violence and sexual harassment perpetrated by their consumers-employers (or others in the home). These results were supported by data from case manager (n = 99) focus groups and surveys. This preliminary data will be supported by further investigations, including interviews with consumer-employers and a random survey of HCWs. Ultimately, the data will guide the study partners in the development of evidence-based interventions such as trainings and policy modifications to improve HCWs' workplace safety and consumers' quality of care. This model of participatory research will be key to the development of successful interventions.