Evaluating the implementation of a participatory organizational change intervention in long-term care

Reasons for the study

The long-term care sector is fast-paced and demanding, putting workers at significant risk of work-related injuries. Among long-term care workers, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and slips, trips and falls (STFs) are a major source of injuries. MSDs and STFs account for over 60 per cent of all lost-time claims in Ontario’s health-care sector. The Public Services Health & Safety Association has developed an organizational-level participatory ergonomics program, called “Employees Participating in Change” (EPIC), to reduce the incidence of MSD and STF hazards and injuries in long-term care. IWH researchers are evaluating the implementation of the EPIC program.

Objectives of the study

  • To understand the implementation of an organizational-level participatory ergonomics intervention in long-term care and its effects on outcomes such as self-efficacy, norms development and hazard reduction
  • To examine if implementing the EPIC program results in a reduction of MSD or STF hazards
  • To develop a tool to help guide the participatory change process in long-term care

Target audience

Findings will help determine the benefits, challenges and processes of implementing organizational-level participatory ergonomics programs in long-term care homes to reduce workplace injuries.

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Project status

Completed 2019

Research team

  • Dwayne Van Eerd, Institute for Work & Health (PI)
  • Ben Amick, Institute for Work & Health
  • Kim Cullen, Institute for Work & Health
  • Teresa D'Elia, Institute for Work & Health
  • Era Mae Ferron, Institute for Work & Health
  • Sheilah Hogg-Johnson, Institute for Work & Health
  • Cameron Mustard, Institute for Work & Health
  • Lynda Robson, Institute for Work & Health
  • Ivan Steenstra, Morneau Shepell
  • Henrietta Van Hulle, Public Services Health & Safety Association
  • Richard Wells, University of Waterloo

Collaborators and partners

AdvantAge
Ontario Personal Support Workers Association
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Public Services Health & Safety Association

Funded by

Ontario Ministry of Labour, Centre for Research on the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD)