title: Characterizing the nature of home care work and occupational hazards: a developmental intervention study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Home care (HC) aide is the fastest growing occupation, yet job hazards are under-studied. This study documents the context of HC aide work, characterizes occupational safety and health (OSH) hazards, and identifies preventive interventions using qualitative methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted 12 focus groups among aides and 26 in-depth interviews comprising 15 HC agency, union, and insurance company representatives as well as 11 HC recipients in Massachusetts. All focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded with NVIVO software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Major OSH concerns were musculoskeletal disorders from client care tasks and verbal abuse. Performing tasks beyond specified job duties may be an OSH risk factor. HC aides' safety and clients' safety are closely linked. Client handling devices, client evaluation, care plan development, and training are key interventions for both aides' and clients' safety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Promoting OSH in HC is essential for maintaining a viable workforce.
authors.affiliation: Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Markkanen
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Galligan
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sama
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Brouillette
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Okyere
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006699:Home Care Services; D018576:Home Health Aides; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases; D009784:Occupational Diseases; D016272:Occupational Health; D060051:Occupational Injuries; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D064450:Workplace Violence
keywords: home care; home care aides; home healthcare; occupational safety and health; patient safety; preventive interventions; worker safety