JA:2021-41. CS-CASH Pilot Grant: Improving Agricultural Worker Health and Safety Awareness through Multimodal, Case-Based Physician Assistant Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: Agricultural workers, especially those who farm full-time, are at substantial risk for developing long-term health problems related to occupational dust, chemical, and vibratory noise exposures. There is clear evidence of risk factors for acute agricultural injury; however, literature regarding risk factors for long-term occupational health problems, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), agricultural chemical exposure (ACE), and inhalation injury, is more limited. The literature poses conflicting information on agricultural workers and personal protective equipment (PPE); agricultural workers understand the importance of PPE use, yet the lack of PPE use is pervasive in agricultural workers across numerous studies. Education of agricultural workers on the role of PPE in chronic disease prevention has shown promise. Methods: Our research seeks to identify a replicable model of Physician Assistant (PA) student education on agricultural worker health and safety, including patient education and disease prevention. This model will equip future health-care providers with the knowledge and skills to provide patient education on farming-associated, preventable chronic diseases, as it is a documented tool for increasing PPE use. Didactic curriculum objectives include agriculturally related respiratory health issues, chemical exposure, and noise-induced hearing loss. Curricular content delivery includes traditional classroom learning as well as adjunctive small group and simulation activities. Upon completion of the didactic phase, students complete a 15-month clinical learning phase, including a 12-week primary care rotation in a rural setting, serving many agricultural workers throughout the Midwest. Student logs of patient encounters track diagnoses related to agricultural exposure, as well as monitor agricultural patient treatment modalities, including patient education on PPE use. Distribution of patient education and PPE materials occurs through clinical site visits to primary care rotation sites. Practical Application: Our educational model intends to improve health outcomes of patients in the rural Midwest. Our ongoing research will collect data on agriculturally related diagnoses in the Midwest and patient-provider communication, ideally enhancing patient awareness of risk factors and compliance with treatment plans, as well as decreasing chronic disease severity. The measured effects of this educational intervention will serve as a basis for future research and health-care provider education.