Identification of Factors that Affect the Adoption of Ergonomic Interventions Among EMS Workers

Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to understand the adoption of specific voluntarily used ergonomic intervention aimed at preventing musculoskeletal injuries in EMS workers. According to previous research in the areas of information technology, acceptance and diffusion of innovation, worker’s perceptions and attitudes impact the adoption of interventions. This research evaluated the adoption of an intervention that was designed to assist with the lateral transfer of patients as this has previously been reported as a frequent and strenuous task performed by EMS workers. The objective of the current study was to use structural equation modeling to determine which factors most closely affect its adoption. The model suggest that the perception that the intervention is relatively advantageous and easy to use, that the intervention is compatible with the task, having previous experience with similar tools and whether it was endorsed by champions who actively promote the use of the intervention are all factors contributing to the adoption of this ergonomic intervention.

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