Relative benefit of a stage of change approach for the prevention of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort: a cluster randomised trial

Abstract

Compared with standard ergonomics advice to management, there was evidence of a benefit of stage-matched intervention for MSPD prevention, particularly for low back pain. Organisational safety climate should be taken into account when planning prevention programmes.

A long-term evaluation of the stage of change approach and compensable injury outcomes – a cluster-randomised trial

“…It is unsurprising that researchers may therefore focus on shorter evaluation time-frames and easy-to-collect outcome measures. Previous studies on the SOC approach have provided evidence for its effectiveness in respect of implementation of advice (Rothmore, Aylward, and Karnon 2015) and health outcomes for workers as measured by self-reported MSPD (Doda et al 2015;Whysall, Haslam, and Haslam 2006). Utilising the same study population as Doda et al (2015) we sought to evaluate the long-term outcomes, in respect to compensable musculoskeletal injuries, associated with the application of the SOC approach in the development of workplace interventions.…”

“…The rate of implementation of the advice was 68% higher for those in the tailored group (IRR=1.68, 95% CI 1.07-2.63) (Rothmore, Aylward, and Karnon 2015) and their workers were 40% less likely to report lower back pain (Doda et al 2015). Further details of the SOC intervention are available in Doda et al (2015) and Rothmore, Aylward, and Karnon (2015). Four years after receiving the ergonomics advice companies were contacted via telephone and e-mail and invited to participate in a long-term follow-up.…”

“…More recently, Doda et al (2015) and Rothmore, Aylward, and Karnon (2015) reported on an Australian study of 25 workgroups which had been randomly assigned to receive standard (unmatched) or tailored (stage-matched) interventions. At 12-months followup companies which had received tailored advice had implemented significantly more workplace changes (Rothmore, Aylward, and Karnon 2015) and their workers were 40% less likely to report lower back pain (Doda et al 2015).…”

“…Analysing a longer term follow-up of the same study population reported by Doda et al (2015) and Rothmore, Aylward, and Karnon (2015) the purpose of this study is to report on the differences in the long-term health outcomes associated with the SOC approach in respect to compensable musculoskeletal injuries.…”

“…At 12-months followup companies which had received tailored advice had implemented significantly more workplace changes (Rothmore, Aylward, and Karnon 2015) and their workers were 40% less likely to report lower back pain (Doda et al 2015).…”