|
|
|
|
|
Pamela Levin, PhD, RN, Dept. of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina St., Suite 1080, Chicago, IL 60612, 312.942.8842, pamela_levin@rush.edu, Michelle Quigley Martinez, MS, RN, Medical/Surgical Services, California Pacific Medical Center, PO Box 7999, San Francisco, CA 94120, Jacqueline Walcott McQuigg, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, Purdue University, 502 N. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, Shu-Pi C. Chen, DrPH, RN, School of Nursing, St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103th St., Chicago, IL 60655, Mary Amann, MS, RN, American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, 201 E. Ogden, Suite 114, Hinsdale, IL 60521, and Caroline Guenette, MS, RN, Occupational Health, University of Chicago Hospitals and Health System, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637.
The purpose of this study was to describe the magnitude and costs of workplace assaults to a high-risk group – teachers within a large urban school system. Using an ecological occupational framework, the study objectives included: 1) to describe the frequency, nature, cost, and outcome of injuries associated with teacher assaults and 2) to identify predictors of case cost and lost work time among teachers assaulted on the job. The sample consisted of all cases of intentional assault that occurred to teachers over a three-year period (N=341). Data sources included internally generated report sources (employee health, security, personnel records) and external sources (case management vendor records). The overall three-year assault rate was 3.24 per 1,000 teachers. Most assaults were physical in nature, occurring during classroom disputes and activities involving restraining students. The cases accounted for 2,480 lost workdays and more than $714,000 in lost wages and case management fees. Of the assaults resulting in lost workdays (n = 62), strain/sprain injuries to the back were the most costly on a per case basis. Study variables predicted 13% of the case costs (lost work wages and case management fees): severity, as rated at the scene by school personnel, was a significant predictor. The model did not fit the data in relation to predicting lost work time. Implications related to occupational health nursing practice, case management, and future research will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.