Musculoskeletal injuries in the fire service: views from a focus group study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health Nursing
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Health Program Planning

Background:

• Focus groups are a qualitative data collection method using planned small group discussions.
• Occupational health nurses can utilize focus groups for in-depth needs assessments before program planning.
• An ecological framework, considering person, workplace, and situational factors, can guide occupational health needs assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of focus groups guided by an ecological framework for occupational health needs assessment.
• To elicit perceptions of factors contributing to musculoskeletal injury and acceptable preventive strategies among firefighters.
• To understand differing management and worker perspectives on occupational health issues.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a focus group study with fire chiefs and firefighters.
• Employed an ecological framework to guide discussions.
• Collected qualitative data on perceptions of injury causes and prevention.

Main Results:

• Participants provided insights into factors influencing musculoskeletal injury.
• Firefighters shared motivations and feelings regarding injury risks.
• Identified potential preventive strategies acceptable to the target group.
• Highlighted the need to consider diverse management and worker viewpoints.

Conclusions:

• Focus groups are effective for in-depth, ecologically-based needs assessments in occupational health.
• An ecological framework aids in understanding complex occupational health issues.
• Findings suggest hypotheses for further research into musculoskeletal injury prevention in fire services.
• Occupational health nurses must address differing stakeholder perceptions for successful interventions.