Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Janet Jedlicka

Keywords

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -- prevention & control

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is common among supermarket employees with a high prevalence among supermarket cashiers. In a study by Davis et. aI., (2001) it was found that supermarkets had the highest number of workman's compensation claims regarding CTS in Massachusetts. Of 247 reported cases of CTS in supermarkets 80 involved cashiers. Supermarket cashiers show a 19-60% CTS prevalence rate (Bonfiglioli et aI. , 2007). No prevention guide designed for supermarket employees was found in the literature; this scholarly project addresses the need for prevention of CTS among supermarket employees.

An extensive literature review was conducted to understand the need for a prevention program. All information gathered came from scholarly journals and text books. This information was used to develop the product. The reading level of the product was kept between yth and 9th grade to accommodate participants of all education levels.

The product of this scholarly project is an in-service and a supplemental guide book. The causes, predisposing factors, prevention techniques, conservative treatment, and surgical treatment are all covered in the in-service. The guide book is designed to be a supplement to the inservice and has information on prevention as well as examples of how to complete prevention techniques. The goal of this product is to increase the awareness of CTS among supermarket employees and aid in prevention of the disorder among this population.

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