Abstract
Study Design
Qualitative and descriptive study.
Introduction
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a prevalent disease in Canada. There is little
work on the perspectives of HAVS patients.
Purpose of the Study
Explore perceptions of disability and functional compromise in patients with HAVS.
Methods
Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with HAVS patients and analysed
using content analysis.
Results
The 11 participants reported numbness, pain, and reduced dexterity, strength, and
sensation. Participants noted that HAVS was an inevitable aspect of their work. They
indicated frustration with their condition and viewed it as a disability. To overcome
impairments risky strategies are often used. Participants reported lack of support
to manage symptoms and overcome work disability.
Discussion
HAVS related impairment is disabling. Workers require improved resources and support
to address symptom management and safe strategies to minimize work disability.
Conclusion
HAVS patients experience functional, social, emotional, and psychological disability.
Level of Evidence
Not applicable.
Keywords
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JHT Read for Credit
Quiz: #510
Record your answers on the Return Answer Form found on the tear-out coupon at the back of this issue or to complete online and use a credit card, go to JHTReadforCredit.com. There is only one best answer for each question.
- #1.The study design is
- a.RTCs
- b.a case series
- c.qualitative
- d.prospective cohort
- a.
- #2.Data was obtained from
- a.phone interviews
- b.face-to-face live patient interviews
- c.chart reviews
- d.video-taped interviews with employees and employers
- a.
- #3.The investigators were especially interested in identifying
- a.the most common complaint
- b.the average financial loss per participant as a result of their HAVS
- c.the incidence of carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes
- d.recurrent themes
- a.
- #4.There was an overall feeling among the participants of______________ their work with vibrating tools
- a.satisfaction with
- b.regret for having performed
- c.frustration with the residuals of
- d.wanting to sue their employers for
- a.
- #5.Though this study was carried out entirely on a Canadian population its conclusions can reasonably be applied to other western countries' populations
- a.false
- b.true
- a.
When submitting to the HTCC for re-certification, please batch your JHT RFC certificates in groups of 3 or more to get full credit.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 20, 2017
Accepted:
October 30,
2016
Received in revised form:
October 3,
2016
Received:
June 27,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Hanley & Belfus, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
