Markkanen P, Quinn M, Galligan C, Chalupka S, Davis L, Laramie A, et al.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. Date of publication 2007 Mar 1;volume 49(3):327-37.
1. J Occup Environ Med. 2007 Mar;49(3):327-37. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3180326552.
There's no place like home: a qualitative study of the working conditions of
home health care providers.
Markkanen P(1), Quinn M, Galligan C, Chalupka S, Davis L, Laramie A.
Author information:
(1)Department of Work Environment, School of Health and Environment, University
of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA. Pia_Markkanen@uml.edu
OBJECTIVE: Home health care (HHC) is one of the fastest growing US industries.
Its working conditions have been challenging to evaluate, because the work
environments are highly variable and geographically dispersed. This study aims
to characterize qualitatively the work experience and hazards of HHC clinicians,
with a focus on risk factors for bloodborne pathogen exposures.
METHODS: The researchers conducted five focus group discussions with HHC
clinicians and ten in-depth interviews with HHC agency managers and trade union
representatives in Massachusetts.
RESULTS: HHC clinicians face serious occupational hazards, including violence in
neighborhoods and homes, lack of workstations, heavy patient lifting, improper
disposal of dressings or sharp medical devices, and high productivity demands.
CONCLUSIONS: The social context of the home-work environment challenges the
implementation of preventive interventions to reduce occupational hazards in
HHC.
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3180326552
PMID: 17351519 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
