Home Health Agency Staff Safety: Experiences from the Frontlines
Author Information
Author(s): Leland Natalie, Shore Amanda, Lam Julia, Prusynski Rachel, Saliba Debra, Mroz Tracy
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
What organizational strategies can improve safety for home healthcare agency staff?
Conclusion
The study highlights the complexity of home healthcare service delivery and the need for comprehensive safety policies, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Evidence
- Prior evidence has documented workplace violence among home healthcare agency staff.
- Five emergent themes captured organizational efforts and staff experiences navigating workplace violence.
- Leadership described financial investment in staff safety, such as employing escorts for HHA staff.
Takeaway
This study looked at how to keep home healthcare workers safe, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and found that better policies and resources are needed.
Methodology
The study used a multiple case study design with thematic analysis based on interviews with HHA leaders and frontline staff.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on a purposive sample and may not represent all home healthcare agencies.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 102 HHA leaders and a subsample of 12 frontline staff from various locations in the United States.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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