Constant negotiating: managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders while remaining at the workplace.
We used grounded theory to explore processes and strategies used by workers affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) while they remained in the workplace, and we developed a theory to describe the overall process. Participants included 25 workers affected by WMSDs who were currently employed in various workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The theoretical model has five main phases: (a) becoming concerned, (b) getting medical help, (c) dealing with the workplace, (d) making adjustments to lifestyle, and (e) taking charge, each with separate subphases. Constant negotiating was the core variable that explained the overall process, with workers engaged in negotiations with others in occupational, health, and social contexts. Using a two-dimensional figure, we illustrate the negotiation strategies workers used. We discuss implications for health care, workplaces, education, and research for creating a culture of understanding and respect for injured workers who wish to remain working after developing WMSDs.
1Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada.
Joanne
J
Smith-Young
Shirley
S
Solberg
Alice
A
Gaudine
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017008:Negotiating; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017132:Workplace
grounded theory; illness and disease, chronic; musculoskeletal disorders; nursing; occupational health; research, qualitative; workplace