Purpose: Work disability affects a growing number of workers aged 55 and over (W55 +). While rehabilitation programs have demonstrated efficacy for workers with an average age of 42, they often have not been designed to meet unique needs of aging workers. This study aimed to describe the difficulties encountered by work rehabilitation professionals and explore their solutions for improving services offered to W55 + .
Methods: This study used a simple descriptive design with purposive sampling. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists were mainly recruited in private clinics. An interview guide based on the Work Disability Paradigm was piloted and used with the participants. Qualitative interviews were conducted with work rehabilitation professionals and then transcribed. A thematic analysis was performed.
Results: The sample consisted of fifteen participants (average age 38 years) with near equal representation across genders and disciplines. Difficulties were identified in relation to the (1) characteristics of W55 + , (2) work environment, (3) compensation system, and (4) communication among stakeholders. Five solutions were proposed to improve the services offered: provide healthcare professionals with access to tools and training, implement communication mechanisms, integrate a return-to-work coordinator, develop a joint action plan for managing W55 + , and implement an integrative prevention approach in workplaces.
Conclusions: Our results represent a first step in mapping various stakeholders' needs to ensure better support for W55 + with work disabilities. These results delineate a roadmap for future research that should expand upon these stakeholders' perspectives to provide a more comprehensive description of their needs and potential solutions.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10926-024-10236-5 | DOI Listing |
J Occup Health
January 2025
Panasonic Corporation, Department Electric Works Company/Engineering Division, Osaka, Japan.
Background: Falls are among the most prevalent workplace accidents, necessitating thorough screening for susceptibility to falls and customization of individualized fall prevention programs. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a high fall risk prediction model using machine learning (ML) and video-based first three steps in middle-aged workers.
Methods: Train data (n=190, age 54.
Scand J Occup Ther
January 2025
The Parker Institute, Occupation-centered Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Background: The assistive technology (AT) service delivery process is complex and includes a comprehensive assessment of the citizen's situation to inform decision making. This assessment is required by Danish law to ensure that citizens receive solutions matched to their needs, including other services than the AT.
Aim: To investigate how Danish occupational therapists, involved in the AT service delivery process, perform the comprehensive assessment.
J Glob Health
January 2025
Department of Health Education, Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.
Background: Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous disease affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and bones, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Sudan, especially its Eastern Sinnar locality, experiences a significant burden due to environmental conditions and limited access to healthcare, while the population's lack of awareness and understanding often leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional, community-based study in Eastern Sinnar, Sudan, to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and awareness of mycetoma among local residents.
JMIR Form Res
January 2025
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Background: Advancements in medical science have focused largely on patient care, often overlooking the well-being of health care professionals (HCPs). This oversight has consequences; not only are HCPs prone to mental and physical health challenges, but the quality of patient care may also endure as a result. Such concerns are also exacerbated by unprecedented crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSAGE Open Med
January 2025
ESIC Medical College and Hospital and Occupational Disease Center [East Zone], Joka, Kolkata, India.
Background: Despite multiple studies, less recent literature and data regarding the mortality associated with hip fractures in the elderly population are available.
Objectives: To assess the mortality data and functional outcomes of patients who underwent cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty in femoral neck fractures. To evaluate if preoperative (minimum 2 months) calcium and vitamin D supplement intake in patients affects postoperative mobilization with or without walker support.
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