Work Injuries Among Therapists In Physical Rehabilitation

摘要

Background: Physical therapists in rehabilitation settings often perform heavy lifting, repetitive forceful tasksand endure long periods of static or awkward postures. These work conditions put therapists at increased riskof work-related injuries (WRIs). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among physical therapists(PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) at 14 randomly selected rehabilitation facilities to determine theprevalence and severity of work-related injuries in physical rehabilitation. Results: A majority of respondentsreported their most severe pain or discomfort within the last year affected their back, lasted 24 hours to 1 week,occurred once every 2-6 months, and was rated as moderate on the 0 to 10 pain scale. The 1-year prevalence ofWRIs among PTs and PTAs working in physical rehabilitation was 32%. Sixty percent (60%) of thosereporting pain/discomfort had mechanical patient lifts available within their work area. Less than half reportedusing mechanical patient lifts before or during/after their work-related pain. Conclusion: More than 65% ofrehabilitation PTs and PTAs experienced work-related pain due to therapeutic activities including patienthandling and movement. It is critical to understand therapists’ technology usage barriers, redesign technologyto meet end-user needs, and develop technology-based best practices that promote both worker safety andpatient outcomes.