A review of the design of educational programs for upper extremity work injury prevention

In the absence of literature on upper extremity (UE) injury prevention programs, this study gathered data on educational programs currently available to enhance future programming. A telephone survey with written follow-up for verification and accuracy was used to collect descriptive data about the expected outcomes, educational content, program parameters and evaluation methods for UE injury prevention programs offered by nationally based companies. Six companies participated in the survey. Changes in employee behaviors and lifestyles were the most frequently expected outcomes. The educational content consistently contained information on anatomy and physiology and frequently contained risk factor information. Lectures were the primary form of presentation, with limited opportunity for practice or problem solving. Two-hour programs were typically offered on site for groups of 20-25 participants at charges ranging from $100 to $300 per hour. The inconsistencies in current programming and insufficient definition of efficacy measures provide little guidance on how UE prevention programs should be designed.