Biomedical subjects

Glenn Goodman

Publications and source records attributed to Glenn Goodman.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

The effectiveness of a comprehensive work hardening program as measured by lifting capacity, pain scales, and depression scores.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of a four-week work rehabilitation program. METHOD: Investigators conducted a retrospective chart review of 312 clients participating in the Work Evaluation and Rehabilitation Clinic (WERC) Program from 1994-2000. Only 196 charts were sufficiently complete to be included in the study. Of these 196 prospective clients, 166 began the WERC program and 141 completed the program and were included in the database. Data were gathered from the initial history and evaluations conducted upon admission to the program and from the final evaluation conducted at the time of discharge. Demographic information was recorded. Data from the following assessments were collected: pre- and post-scores for subjective measures of pain using the Oswestry Back Pain Scale and a self-report of pain, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Waddell Sign, and pre- and post-scores of several physical performance tasks. RESULTS: Statistically significant post-test improvements were shown in all six outcome measures used in this study. A decrease in pain correlated with the Floor to Waist Lift test and with the Carrying An Object 20 Feet test. The percentage increase in Waddell's Sign correlated with a decrease in the Carrying An Object 20 Feet test. The Floor to Waist Lift test correlated with the Carrying an Object 20 Feet test. The Oswestry Test correlated with the Beck Depression Scale. There was no significant relationship found between diagnosis of back injury and Waddell's Sign, between either the Waddell's Sign and the Oswestry, or the Waddell's Sign and depression. A regression analysis revealed diagnosis, level of education, gender, and pre-injury work load as significant predictors of improvements made during the work program. CONCLUSION: The program was shown to be effective as measured by the post-test improvements in all 6 performance tests. Although more research is warranted into the effectiveness of treatment for clients with chronic pain, it appears that there is a relationship between pain and physical performance and pain and depression in clients completing a work hardening program.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of an occupational rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the findings of a program evaluation for an occupational rehabilitation program in the Midwest. METHOD: An ex-post facto chart review was performed on 50 charts using demographic data, results from tests of performance and pain measures, and data from patient satisfaction questionnaires to find evidence of excellence in the program, and to identify areas for improvement. RESULTS: Over 97% of the participants actually completed the program and 76% returned to work within 3 months after program completion. Ninety-two percent indicated overall satisfaction with the program, and all aspects of the program were rated with a mean score of 4.25 or above on a 1 to 5 Likert scale. Evaluation of perceived pain scales of the participants indicate no discernable relationship between intensity of pain and successful return to work. CONCLUSION: The program showed a high completion rate, a high return to work rate, and high levels of patient satisfaction. Suggestions for improvement include an increase in use of real and simulated work activities, better documentation of pain measures, better programs to address psychosocial issues, lengthening the program, and increased communication with case managers and professionals outside of the work program.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Effectiveness of computer ergonomics interventions for an engineering company: a program evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Ergonomic principles at the computer workstation may reduce the occurrence of work related injuries commonly associated with intensive computer use. A program implemented in 2001 by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist utilized these preventative measures with education about ergonomics, individualized evaluations of computer workstations, and recommendations for ergonomic and environmental changes. METHOD: This study examined program outcomes and perceived effectiveness based on review of documents, interviews, and surveys of the employees and the plant manager. RESULTS: The program was deemed successful as shown by 59% of all therapist recommendations and 74% of ergonomic recommendations being implemented by the company, with an 85% satisfaction rate for the ergonomic interventions and an overall employee satisfaction rate of 70%. Eighty-one percent of the physical problems reported by employees were resolved to their satisfaction one year later. CONCLUSION: Successful implementation of ergonomics programs depend upon effective communication and education of the consumers, and the support, cooperation and collaboration of management and employees.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Adoption of assistive technology for computer access among college students with disabilities.

PURPOSE: Fourteen college students with disabilities identified factors that influenced them to adopt or reject Assistive Technology (AT) for the personal computer in order to assess the effectiveness of a college course on adapted computer use. METHOD: Forty-eight items were developed for a Q sort to represent both positive and negative statements in each of the three areas of Scherer's' model (milieu, person and technology). The model was modified to include specific statements about the training experience. A series of three interviews were administered to the students during the year following completion of the class. RESULTS: Factor analysis of the Q sorts indicated that the participants had a unanimously positive experience. Three factors ('a positive experience', 'I'm OK, you're not OK', and 'support') emerged from the Q sort analysis. The training programme, the technology provided, and the characteristics of the individuals in the class all seemed to contribute to the success of the experience. Seventy-five percent of the students who took the class adopted at least some of the AT a year later. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the need for specific training programmes and course work for college students with disabilities who are interested in improving computer access skills.

Adolescent↗