Process evaluation of a participatory organizational change program to reduce musculoskeletal and slip, trip and fall injuries

Abstract

Background: Long-term care (LTC) workers are at significant risk for occupational-related injuries. Our objective was to evaluate the implementation process of a participatory change program to reduce risk.

Methods: A process evaluation was conducted in three LTC sites using a qualitative approach employing structured interviews, consultant logs and a focus group.

Results: Findings revealed recruitment/reach themes of being "voluntold", using established methods, and challenges related to work schedules. Additional themes about dose were related to communication, iterative solution development, participation and engagement. For program fidelity and satisfaction, themes emerged around engagement, capacity building and time demands.

Conclusion: Process evaluation revealed idiosyncratic approaches to recruitment and related challenges of reaching staff. Solutions to prioritized hazards were developed and implemented, despite time challenges. The iterative solution development approach was embraced. Program fidelity was considered good despite early program time demands. Post implementation reports revealed sustained hazard identification and solution development.

Keywords: Injury prevention; Participatory ergonomics; Process evaluation.