NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Work organization and health issues in long-term care centers: comparison of perceptions between caregivers and management.

Zhang-Y; Flum-M; Nobrega-S; Blais-L; Qamili-S; Punnett-L

J Gerontol Nurs 2011 May; 37(5):32-40

http://dx.doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20110106-01

20041125

This qualitative study explored common and divergent perceptions of caregivers and managers regarding occupational health and safety, work organization, and psychosocial concerns in long-term care centers. Both common and differing issues were identified. Both groups agreed on the importance of ergonomic concerns, the high prevalence of stress, and receptiveness to participatory health promotion programs. However, numerous work organization issues and physical and psychosocial workplace hazards were identified by certified nursing assistants but were not mentioned by managers. The results suggest that different perceptions naturally arise from people's varying positions in the occupational hierarchy and their consequent exposures to health and safety hazards. Improved systems of communication that allow frontline workers to express their concerns would make it possible to create solutions to these problems.

Psychology; Medical-personnel; Health-care-personnel; Humans; Men; Women; Ergonomics; Stress; Physical-stress; Physical-fitness; Hazards; Health-care-facilities; Health-care; Total-Worker-Health

Yuan Zhang, MS, Research Assistant, Department of Nursing, 3 Solomont Way, Suite 2, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854

JGNUDX

20110501

Journal Article

Yuan_Zhang@student.uml.edu

Cooperative Agreement

2011

Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U19-OH-008857

5

0098-9134

Healthcare and Social Assistance

Journal of Gerontological Nursing

MA; NH

University of Massachusetts, Lowell