Evaluation of a musculoskeletal training package for occupational health practitioners

Madan, I. and Walker-Bone, K. (2013) Evaluation of a musculoskeletal training package for occupational health practitioners. Occupational Medicine, 63 (8), 579-582. (doi:10.1093/occmed/kqt122). (PMID:24213093)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common cause of disability in the workplace. Despite this, there is known to be a wide variation in the assessment of MSDs by UK occupational health (OH) professionals. Therefore we developed a workshop, supported by a bespoke, on-line video, focussing on the assessment and management of MSDs.

AIMS: To assess the impact of the training package on the knowledge, confidence and reported behaviour of attendees.

METHODS: Workshops were held in two regional centres in England. Delegates completed a questionnaire on arrival to establish their baseline knowledge and confidence and again at the end of the training. A third questionnaire, with one reminder, was e-mailed to delegates 4 months following the workshops.

RESULTS: Ninety-two OH professionals (77 nurses, 10 doctors and 5 'others') attended and more than 80% reported that they had no previous training in examining the upper or lower limb or in distinguishing specific from non-specific MSDs. Confidence among delegates in examination, diagnosis and management of MSDs improved after the workshop and these changes were sustained and remained statistically significant from baseline 4 months afterwards. Following the training, 79% (50) of delegates reported that they had shared the knowledge and skills acquired with their colleagues and 71% reported that they had used the examination techniques in their day-to-day practice.

CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a training package which resulted in improved knowledge among attendees and gave them confidence to use their skills in practice.

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Contributors

Author: K. Walker-Bone

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