Research Priorities in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing
The first AAOHN Research Priorities were identified in 1990. With changes in today's work environment and related hazards, health care delivery mechanisms, technological modes of communication, and emphasis on role expansion, the identification of relevant research is critical in continuing to build the body of knowledge in occupational and environmental health nursing so practice may be improved. Thus, a study to review and update the existing research priorities was conducted in 1998 in order to emphasize and promote targeted high priority research in the specialty.
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Research Priorities
Effectiveness of primary health care delivery at the worksite.
Effectiveness of health promotion nursing intervention strategies.
Methods for handling complex ethical issues related to occupational health.
Strategies that minimize work-related health outcomes (e.g. respiratory disease).
Health effects resulting from chemical exposures in the workplace.
Occupational hazards of healthcare workers (e.g. latex allergy, bloodborne pathogens).
Factors that influence workers' rehabilitation and return to work.
Effectiveness of ergonomic strategies to reduce worker injury and illness.
Effectiveness of case management approaches in occupational illness/injury.
Evaluation of critical pathways to effectively improve worker health and safety and to enhance maximum recovery and safe return to work.
Effects of shift work on worker health and safety.
Strategies for increasing compliance with or motivating workers to use personal protective equipment.
NOTE: A two-round Delphi survey technique was used on a 15 percent sample (n=1763) of AAOHN members. Subjects were asked to rate existing and additional preliminary priorities as to their value to the occupational health nursing profession and impact on worker health. Mean scores were weighted from 0.00 to 1.00 based on the quantitative value of the mean for each research priority. Mean scores of greater than or equal to .80 on both variables of "value" and "impact" were then calculated and 12 priorities emerged as the top AAOHN Research Priorities.
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. 2920 Brandywine Rd. • Suite 100 • Atlanta, GA 30341 (770) 455-7757 • Fax (770) 455-7271 • Contact AAOHN
