Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Staff Engagement and Empowerment (motivating staff / teamwork / work revamp tackling manpower issue / staff wellness / OSH / retention)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsang ST(1), Ching WK(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Safety and Health, (2) Occupational Therapy, North District Hospital
Introduction :
With the advances in technology in healthcare industry, there is substantial increase reliance on digital devices at work such as electronic displays in computers, smart phone, tablets and electronic or displays in medical instruments. Studies indicate use of digital devices for 2 hours continuously already sufficient posing a risk to develop digital eye strain (DES) symptoms. Its common symptoms are dry eyes, itching, blurring of vision, stiff neck, headaches and general fatigue, which can lead to a reduction of productivity between 2.5% to 21% in studies worldwide. Professional bodies have advised various management options for DES, such as correct ergonomic use of digital devices, limiting daily screen time to less than 4 hours, frequent breaks, blue-light filtering glasses with antireflective coating. Regular work breaks by 20-20-20 Rule to reduce eye strain is the most recommended approach in encouraging personal change, yet no practicable method to sustain the desired behavior change in workplace.
Objectives :
This study aimed at the pilot use of nudge approach to develop workers’ behavior change in order to adhere to the recommended 20-20-20 rule in reducing DES.
Methodology :
A program featured with (1) knowledge education by issuing OSH Express, (2) staff engagement by hospital-wide quiz; and (3) an Eyes-Cube to nudge for establish a routine, every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds, to reduce DES was implemented to staff at risk. Outcomes (1) evaluation quiz, (2) satisfaction survey, and (3) DES symptoms.
Result & Outcome :
382 staff at risk joined the program including doctors, nurses, allied health and administrative personnel. 378 (99%) attained full scores in quiz. Response rate of survey was 24% (n=93). Among the respondents, 88 (98%) had a habit developed regular breaks, 87 (94%) satisfied with the Cube to be used at work; 90% (n=84) DES symptoms were partially improved. The application of nudge approach on staff health at work could gently push staff to establish a healthier habit in adhering the 20-20-20 rule to reduce DES, which were satisfied and accepted by staff. The innovative use of an inexpensive and user-friendly Eye-cubes to nudge for good could be suggested as a preventive measure for worker with prolonged use of digital screens.
