Stretching Exercise Training And Education (SETE) Program For Housekeeping Staff At The Queen’s Medical Center

Abstract

Housekeeping staff are important in ensuring cleanliness of the hospital environment. The nature of their work places them at risk for work-related musculoskeletal injuries. There are currently no workplace stretching exercise training and education programs for hospital housekeeping staff in the State of Hawai`i. The purpose of the 3-week stretching exercise training and education (SETE) program was to improve knowledge, enhance positive attitude, and change behavior among Queen’s Medical Center (QMC) housekeeping staff. The Iowa Model of evidence-based practice was used as a framework for the implementation of this program. The multi-step process aided in identifying and synthesizing information in piloting practice change. The 3-week SETE program included an in-person demonstration of the stretches by a trainer 3 days a week for 3 weeks. Take-home handouts on stretching exercises were distributed to participants. Post-survey evaluation responses were collected during the fourth week of the SETE program. The number of days the housekeeping staff participated in the SETE program ranged from 1-3 days (36%), 4-6 days (45%), and 7-9 days (18%). Before the SETE program, 26 (79%) of the housekeeping staff reported doing stretching exercises prior to start of the work shift. A total of 33 housekeeping staff completed the post-survey. When asked if participants would be willing to do 10 minutes of stretching at home compared to before the SETE program, the results were positive. There was an increase in knowledge and their perception of the importance of stretching before work and after the SETE program improved. No difference was found for upper and lower body stretches, range of motion and flexibility before and after the SETE program. In conclusion, the overall results of the SETE program were positive, however, it is recommended that the SETE program be offered over a longer period of time. The results of the evaluation will be shared with the QMC housekeeping administration.