Hand-arm vibration syndrome: Workers' experience with functional impairment and disability

• Published in: Journal of hand therapy Vol. 30; no. 4; pp. 491 - 499
• Main Authors: Handford, Midori, MScPT, BSc, Lepine, Kiera, MScPT, BHK, Boccia, Kristina, MScPT, BSc, Ruddick, Francesca, MScPT, BScH, Alyeksyeyeva, Darya, MScPT, BHSc, PTS, Thompson, Aaron, MD, MPH, FRCPC, Holness, D. Linn, MD, MHSc, FRCPC, DTS, HonFFOM, Switzer-McIntyre, Sharon, PhD, MEd, BScPT, BPE
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-10-2017; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Arm; Canada - epidemiology; Content analysis; Data analysis; Disability; Disability Evaluation; Disease Management; Female; Frustration; Functional compromise; Hand-arm vibration syndrome; Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome - diagnosis; Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome - epidemiology; Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome - therapy; Hands; Humans; Impairment; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Interviews; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational disease; Occupational diseases; Occupational Diseases - diagnosis; Occupational Diseases - epidemiology; Occupational Diseases - therapy; Occupational exposure; Occupational health; Pain; Patients; Perceptions; Perceptions of disability; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Researchers; Resource management; Risk Assessment; Sample size; Severity of Illness Index; Sickness Impact Profile; Studies; Symptom management; Vibration; Workers; United Kingdom > UK; Canada; Perceptions of disability; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Occupational disease; Functional compromise; Hand-arm vibration syndrome; Quality of life
• ISSN: 0894-1130; 1545-004X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2016.10.010

Abstract Study Design Qualitative and descriptive study. Introduction Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a prevalent disease in Canada. There is little work on the perspectives of HAVS patients. Purpose of the Study Explore perceptions of disability and functional compromise in patients with HAVS. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with HAVS patients and analysed using content analysis. Results The 11 participants reported numbness, pain, and reduced dexterity, strength, and sensation. Participants noted that HAVS was an inevitable aspect of their work. They indicated frustration with their condition and viewed it as a disability. To overcome impairments risky strategies are often used. Participants reported lack of support to manage symptoms and overcome work disability. Discussion HAVS related impairment is disabling. Workers require improved resources and support to address symptom management and safe strategies to minimize work disability. Conclusion HAVS patients experience functional, social, emotional, and psychological disability. Level of Evidence Not applicable.