IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Research-Action Aimed at Developing a Preventive Occupational Health and Safety Model by and for CHSLD Patient Attendants

Abstract

Patient attendants are on the frontline of care in geriatric environments. These workers are responsible for providing all assistance activities to residents, with the exception of medical care. They perform the tasks related to residents’ daily lives, such helping with hygiene (toilet, baths, etc.), dressing, eating and mobility.

Over the past 20 years, patient attendants have witnessed major transformations to their work environment that have contributed to increasing their exposure to significant physical and psychological stress. On the one hand, the needs of clientele served by nursing homes has become much more onerous (increased loss of autonomy, rise in mental health problems and cognitive disorders); on the other hand, the organizational context marked by successive budget cuts has resulted in a substantial intensification of their work.

This project targets attendants, who represent the largest group working in geriatric environments. CNESST data show that this group of workers has the highest number of compensated workplace accidents.

The objective of this project is to develop innovative preventive actions in OHS for CHSLD patient attendants in order to derive knowledge that can be transferred to other environments.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 2016-0012
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2024
Team:
  • Nathalie Jauvin (Institut national de santé publique du Québec)
  • François Aubry (Université du Québec en Outaouais)
  • Émilie Allaire (CIUSSS de la Capitale Nationale)
  • Caroline Biron (Université Laval)
  • Nancy Côté (Université Laval)
  • Andrew Freeman (Université Laval)
  • Éric Gagnon (CIUSSS de la Capitale Nationale)
  • Manon Truchon (Université Laval)
  • Saliha Ziam (TÉLUQ, Université du Québec)
  • Mariève Pelletier (Institut national de santé publique du Québec)
  • Francis Etheridge (Université du Québec en Outaouais)
  • Isabelle Feillou (Université Laval)