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Slips, Trips, and Falls Among Home Care Aides: A Mixed-Methods Study
Naoko Muramatsu1, Rosemary K Sokas, Apurba Chakraborty
1Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health (Dr Muramatsu), Institute for Health Research and Policy (Dr Muramatsu), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Human Science, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, DC (Dr Sokas); Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Dr Chakraborty), Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (Dr Zanoni), School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; University of Maryland Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Lipscomb) (retired).
Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are common among home care aides (HCAs), with hazards like ice and clutter contributing. Empowering HCAs with knowledge and training can prevent future incidents for both aides and clients.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Gerontology
- Public health
Background:
- Home care aides (HCAs) face unique workplace hazards in clients' homes.
- Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) represent a significant risk in home care settings.
- Limited research exists on STFs specifically among HCAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and causes of STFs among HCAs.
- To understand why HCAs may not report STFs, even after injury.
- To identify potential prevention strategies for STFs in home care.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods study utilizing survey and focus group data.
- Involved HCAs from a Medicaid-funded homecare program.
- Collected data on STF occurrence, contributing factors, and reporting behaviors.
Main Results:
- Over 12% of HCAs reported experiencing STFs in the past year, with 58% falling to the ground.
- Identified hazards include ice, clutter, heavy workload, and rushing.
- Focus groups revealed reasons for underreporting STFs and provided insights into prevention.
Conclusions:
- STFs are a prevalent issue for HCAs, influenced by environmental and work-related factors.
- Addressing underreporting and empowering HCAs through knowledge and training is crucial.
- Preventing STFs can enhance safety for both home care workers and the clients they serve.
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