• May 1, 2009 Ruth Lilly Auditorium, Riley Hospital

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the efficacy of an occupational therapy intervention (worksite analysis) for office employees in a university setting.

Method: The researchers investigated whether recommendations made by an occupational therapist following a worksite analysis, were found to be useful. Participants were university workers who use computers during the majority of their workday. The utility of the worksite analysis recommendations (ergonomics) was determined by self-report by the participants, asking about their musculoskeletal pain and discomfort after compliance with recommendations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather the information and to complete the Musculoskeletal Injuries Associated with Selected University Staff & Faculty in an Office Environment Follow-Up Questionnaire. Participant responses underwent a cross-case comparison to determine themes and compliance to the recommendations.

Results: Of the seven participants, six followed all if not the majority of the recommendations made by the occupational therapist. When asked if the OT intervention of a worksite analysis led to increased comfort and productivity for the employee, six of the seven participants reported a decrease in musculoskeletal pain symptoms and comfort since the implementation of the recommendations made after the worksite analysis.

Conclusions: Compliance of the employee with recommendations provided by the occupational therapist was strongly related to the improvement in musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. With decrease in pain symptoms, employees may be more productive employees in the workplace. Use of a worksite analysis to provide customized ergonomic recommendations for workstations resulted in decreased musculoskeletal pain and increased productivity. In addition, the two instruments used during the worksite analysis were seen to be useful in determining recommendations. Therefore, these instruments or others that yield the same information, should be used by occupational therapists or others when performing a worksite analysis.