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Biomedical subjects

Benjamin C Amick

Publications and source records attributed to Benjamin C Amick.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Disability management practices in Ontario health care workplaces.

BACKGROUND: Workplace disability management programs are important in managing injury and disability. METHODS: A stratified random sample of 188 employers in health care workplaces (71 hospitals, 48 nursing homes, 42 private clinics, and 27 community clinics) completed a mailed Organizational Policies and Practices (OPP) questionnaire. The OPP asked questions about eight workplace disability management practices. This article compares disability management practices across the four types of health care workplaces. RESULTS: A one-way analysis of variance for each of the eight practices demonstrated significant differences across facility types for all practices, except ergonomic practices. For unionized versus non-unionized workplaces, there were significant differences in all practices, except ergonomic practices. For workplaces with formal policies versus those without policies, there were significant differences in all practices, except people-oriented culture and safety diligence. CONCLUSION: Variations in disability management practices in health care workplaces need to be addressed to provide more effective prevention and treatment of work-related injuries and disability.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2006

Workplace interventions to prevent musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and disorders among computer users: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The literature examining the effects of workstation, eyewear and behavioral interventions on musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among computer users is large and heterogeneous. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature used a best evidence synthesis approach to address the general question "Do office interventions among computer users have an effect on musculoskeletal or visual health?" This was followed by an evaluation of specific interventions. RESULTS: The initial search identified 7313 articles which were reduced to 31 studies based on content and quality. Overall, a mixed level of evidence was observed for the general question. Moderate evidence was observed for: (1) no effect of workstation adjustment, (2) no effect of rest breaks and exercise and (3) positive effect of alternative pointing devices. For all other interventions mixed or insufficient evidence of effect was observed. CONCLUSION: Few high quality studies were found that examined the effects of interventions in the office on musculoskeletal or visual health.

Computer Peripherals↗
PubMed2006

Incorporating injured employee outcomes into physical and occupational therapists' practice: a controlled trial of the Worker-Based Outcomes Assessment System.

BACKGROUND: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) remain costly. The Worker-Based Outcomes Assessment System (WBOAS) is an injury treatment improvement tool. Its purpose is to increase treatment effectiveness and decrease the cost of care delivered in Occupational Health Service clinics. METHODS: The study used a non-randomized (parallel cohort) control trial design to test the effects on injured employee outcomes of augmenting the standard care delivered by physical and occupational therapists (PT/OTs) with the WBOAS. The WBOAS works by putting patient-reported functional health status, pain symptom, and work role performance outcomes data into the hands of PT/OTs and their patients. Test clinic therapists were trained to incorporate WBOAS trends data into standard practice. Control clinic therapists delivered standard care alone. RESULTS: WBOAS-augmented PT/OT care did improve (p< or =.05) physical functioning and new injury/re-injury avoidance and, on these same dimensions, cost-adjusted outcome. It did not improve (p>.05) mental health or pain symptoms or return-to-work or stay-at-work success nor, on these same dimensions, cost-adjusted outcome. CONCLUSION: Training PT/OTs to incorporate patient-reported health status, pain symptom, and work role performance outcomes trends data into standard practice does appear to improve treatment effectiveness and cost on some (e.g. physical functioning) but not other (e.g. mental health, pain symptoms) outcomes.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Determinants of work absence following surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to identify factors across multiple domains associated with return to work in a community-based cohort of workers with carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Workers scheduled for carpal tunnel release were recruited into this prospective study. Subjects completed questionnaires preoperatively and at 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The questionnaires contained demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors and physical and psychosocial workplace stressors. Predictors of work absence at 6 and 12 months were examined in bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Six months following surgery of 181 subjects, 29 (19%) were out of work. Twelve months postoperatively 33 subjects (22%) were out of work. In bivariate analyses, the factors associated with work absence at 6 months, at P < or = 0.01, included preoperative physical functional status, change in self-efficacy between preoperative assessment and 2 months, lower income, workers' compensation, representation by an attorney, work exposure to force and repetition, higher psychological job demands and lower control, lower social support by coworkers, lower job security and more supportive organizational policies and practices. The factors associated with work absence at 12 months in bivariate analyses included preoperative physical functional status, lower self-efficacy at 2 months, workers' compensation, and less supportive organizational policies and practices. Multivariate analyses documented a multidimensional model, with predictors from multiple domains. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical, demographic, economic, and workplace factors were associated with work absence. Strategies to reduce work absence following carpal tunnel release should address multiple dimensions of the worker and workplace.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Disability management practices in education, hotel/motel, and health care workplaces.

BACKGROUND: The high costs and the impact of work disability have become a growing concern for workplaces. As a result, workplace disability management approaches have been developed to lower disability costs, protect the employability of workers, and promote early return to work. METHODS: A stratified random sample of 455 employers in education (n = 157), hotel/motel (n = 110), and health care (n = 188) sectors who completed a mailed Organizational Policies and Practices (OPP) questionnaire is reported. The OPP questionnaire asked questions about eight workplace disability management practices. The article examined the multi-dimensionality, internal consistency, and discriminant validity of the OPP and compares disability management practices across the three sectors. RESULTS: The OPP questionnaire showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95) and discriminant validity. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each of the eight subscales demonstrated that there were statistically significant differences between the sectors in ergonomic practices (F (2,452) = 15.8, P < 0.001), disability case management (F (2,452) = 4.6, P < 0.01), return to work (F (2,452) = 10.3, P < 0.001), and people-oriented culture (F (2,452) = 4.5, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: On examining disability management practices in education, hotel/motel, and health care sectors, the OPP seems to be a promising instrument that can be used to assess and monitor how employers are managing disability.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2005

Management and employee agreement on reports of organizational policies and practices important in return to work following carpal tunnel surgery.

This study's purpose was to assess the agreement between management and employee ratings of organizational policies and practices (OPP) involved in the return to work process following carpal tunnel surgery. As a part of the prospective community-based Maine Carpal Tunnel II Study, 65 manager and employee pairs completed a questionnaire tapping four OPP dimensions. people oriented culture, safety climate, ergonomic practices, and disability management. It was hypothesized that managers and employees would agree on their assessment of the four OPPs and a composite organizational support index. Agreement was assessed using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. Employee and manager ratings were similar for the organizational support index (rho(c) = 0.14, p = 0.08), and people oriented culture (rho(c) = 0.25, p = 0.01) but not the other three OPPs. In larger companies (>450 employees), ratings were also similar for safety climate (rho(c) = 0.24, p = 0.09), disability management (rho(c) = 0.22, p = 0.07) and ergonomic practices (rho(c) = 0.35, p = 0.02). In unionized companies there was agreement for safety climate (rho = 0.44, p = 0.02), disability management (rho(c) = 0.41, p = 0.01) and ergonomic practices (rho(c) = 0.40, p = 0.06). These preliminary results suggest employees can report on certain OPPs and that an employee questionnaire can be used to assess organizational support. Given recent evidence that employee ratings of OPPs are predictive of injury/illness incidence, work disability and return-to-work outcomes, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Workplace organizational policies and practices in Ontario educational facilities.

BACKGROUND: Workplace organizational policies and practices (OPPs) play a pivotal role in managing injury and disability. This study identifies the workplace OPPs in Ontario's education sector. METHODS: OPPs were examined using a cross-sectional survey with 157 participants. The relationship among the type of school, workplace OPPs and injury and disability outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: Mean subscale scores (potential range 1-5) varied from 3.1 (SD, 1.0) to 4.2 (SD, 0.6) for all schools. Private schools scored lowest on measures of disability prevention, disability management, and corporate culture. Ergonomic practices and return to work initiatives were achieved less frequently than other OPPs for all schools. Higher scores on safety diligence were associated with lower injury and disability incidence (proportion of variance explained ranged from 10 to 23%). Higher scores on people-oriented culture were associated with lower disability incidence and duration (proportion of variance explained ranged from 7 to 20%). CONCLUSIONS: Public schools engage more often in workplace OPPs than private schools. Improved achievements on safety diligence and people-oriented culture practices predict reduced injury and disability outcomes.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2005

Assessing a conceptual framework of health-related quality of life in a HIV/AIDS population.

With the recognition of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as an important outcome in the course of HIV-disease, it is important to gain a better understanding of the complex relationships among the various factors that influence it. This study assesses a conceptual framework of HRQOL, consisting of disease status, socio-economic status (SES), behavioral variables, symptom status, role-specific functional status and HRQOL, among a multiethnic, economically disadvantaged population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Self-report data were collected from 348 patients receiving care at a large HIV/AIDS care center, serving residents of a large metropolitan area. The relationships between the study variables were examined using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that the hypothesized framework provided a well-fitted solution to the data, chi2(44df) = 57.62], p = 0.08 and root mean square error of approximation = 0.03, 90% confidence interval 0.01; 0.05. This framework suggests that health-related variables fall along a continuum, beginning with disease status and ending in generic HRQOL. In addition, the framework suggests that behavioral factors (i.e., smoking status, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use) and SES exert significant effects along this continuum and should be carefully considered when analyzing and interpreting HRQOL data.

HIV Infections↗
PubMed2005

Racial and ethnic variations in office-based medical care for work-related injuries and illnesses.

OBJECTIVES: This exploratory study uses nationally representative data to evaluate the extent to which ambulatory care for work-related conditions varies by patients' race and ethnicity. METHODS: Using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) for 1997 and 1998, we describe medical care for work-related conditions, stratifying by whether the patient self-identified as African-American, white, Hispanic and/or non-Hispanic. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of patient race and ethnicity on care, controlling for age, gender, geographical region and MSA (urban/rural) status. RESULTS: Compared to white patients, African-American patients were more likely to receive mental health counseling and physical therapy and less likely to see a nurse, after controlling for age, gender, geographical region and MSA status. Hispanic patients were more likely to receive x-rays and need insurer authorization for care and less likely to receive a prescription drug or to see a physician, compared to non-Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS: This is the nation's first study to describe socially based differences in medical care provided for patients with work-related injuries and illnesses. Identifying areas in which these variations in care exist is a critical first step in ensuring that equitable care is afforded to all injured workers.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2004

Smoking behavior in a low-income multiethnic HIV/AIDS population.

The aim of this study was to describe smoking prevalence and smoking behavior in a multiethnic low-income HIV/AIDS population. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The study site was Thomas Street Clinic, an HIV/AIDS care facility serving a medically indigent and ethnically diverse population. Demographic, disease status, behavioral, and psychosocial variables were assessed by participant self-report. Surveys were collected from 348 study participants. Demographic composition of the sample was 78% male, 25% White, 44% Black, and 29% Hispanic. Study participants had a mean age of 40.2 years (SD=7.8). The HIV exposure profile of the sample was diverse: 46% men who have sex with men, 35% heterosexual contact, and 11% injection drug use. Prevalence of current cigarette smoking in the sample was 46.9%. Among participants with a lifetime history of smoking 100 or more cigarettes (62.8%), only 26.6% were currently abstinent, lower than the 48.8% rate seen in the general population. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that race/ethnicity, education level, age, and heavy drinking were significantly associated with smoking status. Hispanics were less likely than Whites were to smoke, younger participants were less likely than older participants were to be current smokers, and heavy drinkers were more likely to be current smokers than were those who were not heavy drinkers. As education level increased, the likelihood of smoking decreased and the likelihood of quitting increased. The high smoking prevalence in this HIV/AIDS population demonstrates the need for smoking cessation interventions targeted to the special needs of this patient group.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2004

The cross-cultural adaptation of the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire in Canadian French.

The Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ) is a new work disability measurement tool assessing the perceived impact of a health problem on the worker's ability to perform his job. The objective of this study was to make the cross-cultural adaptation of the WRFQ for the French Canadian population. The methodology was composed of five steps: forward translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, revision by an expert committee and test of the pre-final version. The psychometric properties of the translated version were evaluated by administering the questionnaire to forty workers with a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Results indicated good content validity and internal consistency (Cronbach alpha > 0.80 for each scale). Construct validity was tested and confirmed through three hypotheses: (1) subjects with MSD scored higher for the Physical, Work Scheduling and Output demands scales than for the Mental and Social demands scales, (2) subjects having back pain had lower scores than subjects having pain at other body sites and (3) subjects with an MSD had lower scores than healthy workers working full time. This study confirmed that the process used for the adaptation of the Canadian French version of the WRFQ was successful and that this version had good psychometric properties.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Predictors of successful work role functioning after carpal tunnel release surgery.

This study identified the clinical, individual, and workplace predictors of successful work role functioning (WRF) after carpal tunnel release surgery (CTRS). A community-based cohort (n = 197) was followed for 6 months post-CTRS. Predictors of successful WRF were analyzed prospectively using ordinal logistic regression. Baseline WRF predicted successful WRF at 2 months, whereas being depressed and a workers' compensation claimant predicted being out of work. Baseline WRF, improved self-efficacy, and a supportive organization predicted 6-month successful WRF. Supportive organizations have an impact on the effectiveness of medical interventions for CTS. The significance of improved self-efficacy at 6 months and depression at 2 months postsurgery highlights the importance of psychosocial management of musculoskeletal disorders.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗
PubMed2004

Psychosocial factors and work related sickness absence among permanent and non-permanent employees.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between psychosocial work factors and work related sickness absence among permanent and non-permanent employees by sex. DESIGN: A cross sectional survey conducted in 2000 of a representative sample of the European Union total active population, aged 15 years and older. The independent variables were psychological job demands and job control as measures of psychosocial work environment, and work related sickness absence as the main outcome. Poisson regression models were used to compute sickness absence days' rate ratios. SETTING: 15 countries of the European Union. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of permanent (n = 12 875) and non-permanent (n = 1203) workers from the Third European Survey on Working Conditions. RESULTS: High psychological job demands, low job control, and high strain and passive work were associated with higher work related sickness absence. The risks were more pronounced in non-permanent compared with permanent employees and men compared with women. CONCLUSIONS: This work extends previous research on employment contracts and sickness absence, suggesting different effects depending on psychosocial working conditions and sex.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and functional impairment associated with computer use among college students.

PURPOSE: Occupational computer use has been associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among working-age adults, but little is known about computer-related musculoskeletal problems among college students. We carried out a descriptive epidemiological study of computer use-associated symptoms, functional limitations, and medication and health care utilization in this population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 240 undergraduates in the second through fourth years at a residential dormitory at a four-year college with random housing assignments. RESULTS: 194 students returned useable surveys (81% response rate). 42% reported upper extremity pain or discomfort when using a computer in the preceding two weeks. 41% said this pain or discomfort caused functional limitation and 9% said that these symptoms hindered academic or extracurricular performance. 23% reported taking medications for upper extremity pain related to computing (4% regularly) and 16% had seen a health care provider for computer-related symptoms. Female students, students of racial/ethnic minority groups, and students who experienced symptoms with < or = 1 hour of computer use were more likely to report symptom-related functional limitation than others. CONCLUSION: College students report high rates of computer use-associated upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and symptom-related functional limitation. Future studies should more closely examine exposure, demographic, and ergonomic correlates of these symptoms and outcomes.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Effect of office ergonomics intervention on reducing musculoskeletal symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN: Office workers invited and agreeing to participate were assigned to one of three study groups: a group receiving a highly adjustable chair with office ergonomics training, a training-only group, and a control group receiving the training at the end of the study. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of office ergonomics intervention in reducing musculoskeletal symptom growth over the workday and, secondarily, pain levels throughout the day. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data collection occurred 2 months and 1 month before the intervention and 2, 6, and 12 months postintervention. During each round, a short daily symptom survey was completed at the beginning, middle, and end of the workday for 5 days during a workweek to measure total bodily pain growth over the workday. Multilevel statistical models were used to test hypotheses. RESULTS: The chair-with-training intervention lowered symptom growth over the workday (P = 0.012) after 12 months of follow-up. No evidence suggested that training alone lowered symptom growth over the workday (P = 0.461); however, average pain levels in both intervention groups were reduced over the workday. CONCLUSION: Workers who received a highly adjustable chair and office ergonomics training had reduced symptom growth over the workday. The lack of a training-only group effect supports implementing training in conjunction with highly adjustable office furniture and equipment to reduce symptom growth. The ability to reduce symptom growth has implications for understanding how to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in knowledge workers.

Ergonomics↗
PubMed2003

Evidence-based care for depression in Maine: dissemination of the Kaiser Permanente Nurse Telecare Program.

This paper describes the program model, implementation and preliminary results from a dissemination of a nurse case management program for treating depression in primary care. The program design was modeled after the Kaiser Permanente Nurse TeleCare program, which in a randomized clinical trial had previously demonstrated significant improvement in depression outcomes and patient satisfaction over usual care. As illustrated in this pilot by patient outcomes measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the SF-12 Mental Health Composite Score, and the Work Role, Household and Leisure Time Functioning, the authors believe that it is possible to implement successful interventions in smaller primary care practices in community-based settings.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Functional status and overall quality of life in a multiethnic HIV-positive population.

The objective of this study was to examine the sociodemographic and behavioral variables associated with quality of life (QOL) among multiethnic, economically disadvantaged patients with HIV/AIDS. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a large inner-city HIV/AIDS clinic serving medically indigent residents of Houston, Texas, and the surrounding area. On arrival at the clinic, patients were systematically approached and asked to complete a questionnaire, offered in both English and Spanish. Demographic characteristics, stage of disease, and behavioral variables were assessed in addition to work-role functioning and overall health-related QOL. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between the variables of interest. Of 617 patients approached and asked to participate in the study, 385 (62.4%) consented to complete the questionnaire. Demographic composition of the sample was as follows: 78% male, 25% white, 44% black, and 29% Hispanic. Forty-five percent of the participants were infected through men having sex with men (MSM), 35% through heterosexual contact, and 11% through injection drug use. Racial/ethnic minorities reported significantly (p < 0.05) poorer physical functioning and work-role functioning. Participants with higher nadir CD4 cell counts (> 500 per cubic millimeter), MSM HIV exposure, and more education (beyond high school) reported better physical functioning and work-role functioning. Overall QOL and work-related functioning were significantly impaired in this patient population. The impaired functional status findings hold for every social, demographic, and behavioral subgroup examined. Findings suggest that the influence of social inequality persist even among a universally disadvantaged population.

Adult↗