Improve Work Productivity Research Articles

Iron status is associated with worker productivity, independent of physical effort in Indian tea estate workers.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting roughly 40% of women in nonindustrialized countries. Iron is the essential element in hemoglobin, the major carrier of blood oxygen and oxidative metabolism that supports physical and cognitive performance. The relationship between iron and physical work capacity suggests that iron deficient individuals could experience reduced work output. Participants were 138 experienced tea pluckers aged 18-55 years from the Panighatta Tea Estate in Darjeeling District of northern West Bengal, India. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor were measured from venous blood. Energy expenditure was estimated from accelerometry and heart rate, and plucking productivity was measured as amount of tea plucked during the morning work session when temperature and rainfall conditions are optimal. At a given level of energy expenditure, iron deficient, anemic, and iron deficient anemic women plucked less tea during a 3-h period. The results warrant further research as to whether interventions providing supplemental iron might improve worker productivity and work efficiency. Further study should examine evidence of economic incentives for policies and programs targeting nutritional deficiencies. Novelty Anemia predicts up to 2.02 kg (9.1%) less tea plucked per 3 h, or 4.0% lower wage per 3 h, compared with nonanemic women, controlling for physical effort. An increase of 1.0 g/L in hemoglobin concentration predicts 0.71 kg (3.3%) more tea plucked over 3 h. An increase of 1.0 g/L in hemoglobin concentration predicts a 1.6% wage increase.

Telephone Counseling May Offer Needed Boost to Veterans With Depression

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Clinical & ResearchFull AccessTelephone Counseling May Offer Needed Boost to Veterans With DepressionNick ZagorskiNick ZagorskiSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:12 May 2020https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2020.4a13AbstractAdding telephone-based counseling to an integrated care program at the VA increased employment productivity and reduced depression symptoms at relatively low cost.Adding a work-focused intervention to integrated depression care can lead to better employment and psychiatric outcomes in veterans, according to a study in JAMA Network Open.Researchers tested a telephone-based work intervention called “Be Well at Work.” This counseling program, which teaches stress reduction and coping skills for work-related challenges, is relatively inexpensive and has been shown to reduce employee’s depression and absenteeism in traditional work settings. This study was the first to assess whether Be Well at Work could add value to an already proven model of depression care—the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) integrated care program.“There are so many younger veterans from today’s wars who are looking to assimilate back into society.”—Debra Lerner, Ph.D.The VHA’s multidisciplinary integrated care model includes comprehensive depression screening, regular assessments, brief behavioral therapy, medication, and referral to specialists if symptoms become severe. The VA system also offers vocational rehabilitation services, but this is geared toward placing veterans in jobs and not necessarily ensuring productivity and well-being while at work.“There are so many younger veterans from today’s wars who are looking to assimilate back into society,” said lead study author Debra Lerner, Ph.D., a senior scientist and director of the Program on Health, Work, and Productivity at Tufts Medical Center. She co-developed Be Well at Work with David Adler, M.D., a senior psychiatrist at Tufts Medical Center. “The topic of employment is front and center at the VA.”Lerner and colleagues enrolled 253 veterans (average age of 46) from the Philadelphia region who had been diagnosed with depression and reported at least a 5% drop in work productivity in the previous month. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard integrated care at the VHA or participate in the Be Well at Work program in addition to receiving integrated care. Participants in the Be Well at Work group received eight, biweekly 50-minute telephone calls for four months—led by trained counselors—as well as one follow-up session four months later.After four months, the veterans who received the telephone intervention reported 17% greater improvements in work productivity and a 26% greater reduction in their depression symptom severity relative to veterans receiving only integrated care. These differences between the two study groups were still evident at the eight-month follow-up visit. The researchers estimated that the productivity increase saved employers about $1,800 per participant over one year, whereas the cost of the Be Well at Work intervention was $690 per participant—a 160% return on investment.“The big question we have not answered yet is, What is the best strategy in the long run?” Lerner said. “Undoubtedly some people will want to sign up for this program a second time, so we have to find the best way to integrate new and returning patients.” That would be one of the key items that can be addressed in implementation trials—studies in which new programs are set up and run in other settings to test their viability.The researchers just launched a small pilot program to implement Be Well at Work for employees at Tufts Medical Center and are looking for additional ways to expand the program. “If there are interested academic or community mental health centers, then reach out to us,” she said.“We often don’t deal directly with work issues in depression care, but depression affects job security and quality of life for many workers, including veterans,” Lerner continued. “I hope this study encourages more veterans to seek care because programs like Be Well at Work can help.”This study was supported by an award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with additional support from researchers with the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. ■“Effect of Adding a Work-Focused Intervention to Integrated Care for Depression in the Veterans Health Administration: A Randomized Clinical Trial” is posted here. ISSUES NewArchived

Life Cycle Cost Analysis of the Steel Pipe Pile Head Cutting Robot

Steel pipe pile head cutting work is performed to adjust the horizontal levels of piles, and it is essential for the stable transfer of an upper structure load to the ground. However, the field survey results show that steel pipe pile head cutting process is highly dangerous as laborers especially deal with gas and plasma cutting machines. Moreover, the laborers are exposed to continuous risks because the piles are frequently felled, lifted, moved, and loaded using construction equipment, such as excavators, immediately after the piles are cut. Recently, the authors of this study developed a prototype of a steel pipe pile head cutting robot and verified its performance through laboratory experiments to improve work safety, productivity, and the quality of steel pipe pile head cutting work. The purpose of this study is to secure the economic feasibility of robot development and verify the sustainable utilization of a developed robot by analyzing the comprehensive performance and economic efficiency throughout the life cycle of a steel pipe pile head cutting robot developed in South Korea. In this study, sensitivity analysis was also performed on the variables expected to have a significant influence or variables that must be considered for the future commercialization of the developed robot. When the developed robot is applied to construction sites in the future, its ripple effects will be significant because it will be possible to prevent labor safety accidents, improve work productivity, secure uniform quality, and reduce input costs.

Digital Care for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: 10,000 Participant Longitudinal Cohort Study

BackgroundChronic musculoskeletal pain has a vast global prevalence and economic burden. Conservative therapies are universally recommended but require patient engagement and self-management to be effective.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 12-week digital care program (DCP) in a large population of patients with chronic knee and back pain.MethodsA longitudinal observational study was conducted using a remote DCP available through a mobile app. Subjects participated in a 12-week multimodal DCP incorporating education, sensor-guided exercise therapy (ET), and behavioral health support with 1-on-1 remote health coaching. The primary outcome was pain measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary measures included engagement levels, program completion, program satisfaction, condition-specific pain measures, depression, anxiety, and work productivity.ResultsA total of 10,264 adults with either knee (n=3796) or low back (n=6468) pain for at least three months were included in the study. Participants experienced a 68.45% average improvement in VAS pain between baseline intake and 12 weeks. In all, 73.04% (7497/10,264) participants completed the DCP into the final month. In total, 78.60% (5893/7497) of program completers (7144/10,264, 69.60% of all participants) achieved minimally important change in pain. Furthermore, the number of ET sessions and coaching interactions were both positively associated with improvement in pain, suggesting that the amount of engagement influenced outcomes. Secondary outcomes included a 57.9% and 58.3% decrease in depression and anxiety scores, respectively, and 61.5% improvement in work productivity. Finally, 3 distinct clusters of pain response trajectories were identified, which could be predicted with a mean 76% accuracy using baseline measures.ConclusionsThese results support the efficacy and scalability of a DCP for chronic low back and knee pain in a large, diverse, real-world population. Participants demonstrated high completion and engagement rates and a significant positive relationship between engagement and pain reduction was identified, a finding that has not been previously demonstrated in a DCP. Furthermore, the large sample size allowed for the identification of distinct pain response subgroups, which may prove beneficial in predicting recovery and tailoring future interventions. This is the first longitudinal digital health study to analyze pain outcomes in a sample of this magnitude, and it supports the prospect for DCPs to serve the overwhelming number of musculoskeletal pain sufferers worldwide.

Effects of a Tailored Brief Behavioral Therapy Application on Insomnia Severity and Social Disabilities Among Workers With Insomnia in Japan

According to the stepped-care model, there is a medium to large effect size for using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia that is delivered digitally, such as a smartphone application. However, it has been reported that studies using fully automated cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia applications without expert support have high dropout rates. To examine the effects of using a fully automated and individually tailored brief behavior therapy for insomnia (BBTI) applications for 2 weeks on insomnia-related symptoms, social disabilities, and work productivity among workers with insomnia in Japan. This intent-to-treat prospective parallel-group randomized clinical trial included participants 20 years or older with Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores of 8 or higher. Participants were recruited via internet advertisements and workplace flyers and randomized to tailored BBTI, standard BBTI, self-monitoring with sleep diaries, or a waiting list control group. The study was conducted from September 21, 2017, to February 23, 2018. Data were analyzed from February 24, 2018, to February 22, 2019. A personalized BBTI and standard BBTI intervention, both of which included sleep scheduling, relaxation, sleep hygiene, and sleep diaries, administered via smartphone application. Primary outcomes were insomnia severity, measured using the Japanese version of the Insomnia Severity Index, and social disabilities, measured using the Japanese version of the Sheehan Disability Scale. Secondary outcomes were dysfunctional beliefs, sleep reactivity, and work productivity. All measures were taken before and after the intervention and at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. A total of 92 participants (mean [SD] age, 42.7 [11.5] years; 60 [65%] men) were randomized and included in analysis, with 24 participants assigned to tailored BBTI, 23 participants assigned to standard BBTI, 23 participants assigned to self-monitoring, and 22 participants assigned to the waiting list control group. At baseline, there were no significant differences among groups on any demographic characteristics or outcome measures. The results of the intent-to-treat analysis showed an interaction effect for all outcome measures. Compared with the waiting list control group, the BBTI interventions were more effective for reduction of insomnia severity (tailored BBTI: Hedges g = -1.64 [95% CI, -2.32 to -0.96]; P < .001; standard BBTI: g = -1.28 [95% CI, -1.93 to -0.63]; P < .001), social disabilities relating to social life (tailored BBTI: g = -1.33 [95% CI, -1.97 to -0.68]; P < .001; standard BBTI: g = -0.84 [95% CI, -1.46 to -0.22]; P = .009), and dysfunctional beliefs (tailored BBTI: g = -1.17 [95% CI, -1.80 to -0.54]; P < .001; standard BBTI: g = -0.84 [95% CI, -1.46 to -0.23]; P = .02) at the 3-month follow-up. Tailored BBTI quickly reduced insomnia severity (1-month follow-up: g = -0.85 [95% CI, -1.46 to -0.24]). Tailored BBTI was only more effective for improvement of work performance (g = -1.09 [95% CI, -1.71 to -0.46]; P = .005), social disabilities related to family life (g = -0.89 [95% CI, -1.51 to -0.28]; P = .005), and sleep reactivity (g = -1.09 [95% CI, -1.72 to -0.46]; P = .007) compared with the waiting list control group at the 3-month follow-up. The tailored BBTI led to improved worker productivity compared with standard BBTI (g = 0.94 [95% CI, 0.33 to 1.55]; P = .01) at the 3-month follow-up. These findings suggest that an application for individually tailored BBTI is an inexpensive and effective treatment for insomnia. In future research, it would be informative to investigate the reasons for dropout during the follow-up period. umin.ac.jp/ctr Identifier: UMIN000036572.

Pengaruh OCB dan Motivasi Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan PT. Batara Titian Kencana (Xtrans) Cabang Menteng - Jakarta Pusat

Effect Of Organizational Citizenship Behavior And Employee Motivation To Employees Performance PT Batara Titian Kencana (Xtrans) Branch Menteng - Jakarta Pusat. Based on the results of research conducted on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) and Work Motivation on Employee Performance of PT Batara Titian Kencana (XTRANS) Menteng Branch - Central Jakarta, the writer can draw the following conclusion: 1. Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) and Employee Performance PT Batara Titian Kencana Xtrans showed a correlation coefficient of 0.736 which means a strong influence between OCB on employee performance, while the diversity of respondents based on OCB variables that have been studied by the authors are dominated by indicators to colleagues who do not understand I am willing to tell about how the use of work tools yag well and true in carrying out all the work we do. 2. Motivation and Performance of employees of PT Batara Titian Kencana Xtrans showed a correlation coefficient of 0.711 which means a strong influence between work morivation variable on employee performance, while the diversity of respondents based on motivation variables that have been studied by the writer dominated by indicators I always try to improve work productivity . 3. In the result of correlation analysis between Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), and Work Motivation to Employee Performance is strong and significant, it is shown figure in table R = 0,736. So it can be concluded that there is a strong influence between OCB variables work motivation together to employee performance. That is, employees can provide the best for companies or organizations, thus will affect both the performance of the employees themselves. Keywords: Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Employee Motivation To EmployeesPerformance

Digital Care for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A 10,000 User Longitudinal Study Demonstrating Efficacy and Scalability

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain has a vast global prevalence and economic burden. Conservative therapies are universally recommended but require patient engagement and self-management to be effective. In this study, we assessed engagement behaviors and subject-reported outcomes in subjects with chronic low back or knee pain who participated in a 12-week digital care pathway (DCP). Methods: Subjects participated in a 12-week multi-modal DCP administered via a mobile app incorporating education, sensor-guided exercise therapy, and behavioral health support with 1-on-1 remote health coaching. Primary outcome was VAS pain. Secondary measures included engagement levels, program completion, program satisfaction, condition-specific pain measures, depression, anxiety, and work productivity. Findings: Of 10,264 participants with chronic back or knee pain, 73% completed the DCP into the final month. 79% of these participants (70% of all participants) achieved minimally important change in pain. Mean improvement in VAS pain was 68% and the number of exercise therapy sessions and coaching interactions were both positively associated with improvement in pain, supporting that the amount of engagement influenced VAS pain outcomes. Secondary outcomes included 58% decrease in both depression and anxiety scores, and 62% improvement in work productivity. Lastly, three groups with distinct longitudinal pain response behaviors were identified and could be predicted from baseline measures with 76% accuracy. Interpretation: This is the first longitudinal digital health study to analyze musculoskeletal pain outcomes in a sample of this magnitude, supporting the efficacy and safety of using a digital care approach in a large, real-world population. Participants demonstrated high completion and engagement rates, and a significant positive relationship between engagement and pain reduction was identified, a finding not previously demonstrated in a DCP. Furthermore, the large sample size allowed for identification of distinct pain response subgroups which may prove beneficial in predicting recovery and tailoring future interventions. Funding Statement: Hinge Health, Inc. Declaration of Interests: Authors Bailey and Agarwal were academic collaborators on this study and were paid as consultants for their expertise for conducting this study. Bailey and Agarwal had unrestricted access to the data and lead the analysis and interpretation of the results. Author Krauss works at Hinge Health, Inc., and receives salary and equity compensation. Subsequent to paper completion, author Agarwal became employed at Hinge Health, Inc., and receives salary and equity compensation. Ethics Approval Statement: The trial was approved by the Western Institutional Review Board and complied with all ethical regulations.

Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Employees With Anxiety, Depression, Social Phobia, or Insomnia: Clinical and Work Outcomes

This applied study profiled four self-directed behavioral health support tools from Learn to Live, Inc., when offered as an employee benefit. Each of these automated online programs featured eight structured lessons that emphasized cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. Archival operational information collected across multiple employers in the United States was analyzed for 1,297 unique participants with longitudinal program use data. Significant reductions were found on validated measures of clinical symptoms specific to each program: Depression ( d = 0.93, n = 268; Patient Health Questionnaire–nine-item scale [PHQ-9]), Insomnia ( d = 0.69, n = 295; Medical Outcomes Study [MOS] Sleep), Social Anxiety ( d = 0.53, n = 170; Social Phobia Inventory [SPIN]), and Stress, Anxiety, &amp; Worry ( d = 0.50, n = 633; Generalized Anxiety Disorders–seven-item scale [GAD-7]). Moderators of improvement included greater initial clinical severity and greater engagement in the programs (more lessons used and use of optional live support from a coach or friend/family). Follow-up survey results ( n = 290) revealed high satisfaction and improved work absenteeism and job performance. Financial return to the employer from improved work productivity was estimated at US$2,431 per employee user.

Real-world evidence of the impact of adalimumab on work productivity and sleep measures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis

Objective:Our aim was to evaluate the effect of adalimumab on work productivity measures, overall activity impairment, and sleep quality in patients with active moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated in routine care settings in Greece and determine factors associated with work impairment and sleep disturbance.Methods:Patients with active moderate to severe RA (n = 184), PsA (n = 166), and AS (n = 150) were enrolled in this 24-month, prospective, observational study at 80 hospital outpatient clinics and private practices throughout Greece. Patients received adalimumab alone or in combination with standard antirheumatic therapies according to routine care. Work productivity and sleep were assessed through two patient-reported outcome measures: the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment–General Health questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS). Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated to assess the association of work impairment and sleep disturbances with disease activity scores.Results:In the overall population, adalimumab significantly lowered absenteeism [mean (95% confidence interval) reduction, 18.9% (13.3–24.5%); n = 100]; presenteeism [40.0% (33.8–46.3%); n = 98], overall work productivity impairment [46.8% (40.4–53.2%); n = 94], activity impairment [47.0% (44.3–49.6); n = 421], and the MOS-SS sleep problems index [31.6 (29.5–34.1); n = 421] after 24-month treatment (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were also noted across the RA, PsA, and AS subpopulations (p < 0.05). Improvements in overall work impairment and sleep disturbance positively correlated with improvements in disease activity measures.Conclusion:Adalimumab improves work productivity and sleep problems while lowering disease activity in patients with moderate to severe RA, PsA, and AS managed in real-world settings.

Narcolepsy in Children and Adults: A Guide to Improved Recognition, Diagnosis and Management.

Narcolepsy is a rare condition that affects children and adults, and commonly has an onset in childhood. Time to appropriate diagnosis frequently is at least a decade. Unrecognized or misdiagnosed symptoms of narcolepsy contribute to increased morbidity, disability and socioeconomic liability in these patients. Delays in diagnosis may be related to variability in presentation in childhood, lack of familiarity with symptoms or appropriate diagnostic testing or misdiagnosis with accidental introduction of treatment that may modify or mask narcolepsy features. Improved awareness about the diagnosis and tailored therapies improve clinical and socioeconomic outcomes by reducing time to effective treatment. Application of effective treatment results in long-term benefits by improving clinical outcomes, potentially enabling improved education, increased employment opportunity, and improved work productivity and quality of life. This review provides a comprehensive stepwise approach to improve knowledge and comfort for recognition of symptoms, diagnostic strategies and management considerations of narcolepsy in children and adults.

Dalbavancin Reduces Hospital Stay and Improves Productivity for Patients with Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections: The ENHANCE Trial.

IntroductionAdmissions for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) are often prolonged because of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Use of a long-acting IV antibiotic may reduce length of stay (LOS) on a hospitalist service. The ENHANCE ABSSSI trial sought to determine the impact on LOS and work productivity in patients treated with a long-acting IV antibiotic, dalbavancin, vs. usual care at an urban tertiary-care center.MethodsA single-center, pre- vs. post-period pragmatic trial at Weill-Cornell Medical Center assessed usual care for consecutively enrolled admitted ABSSSI patients during an observational period (pre-period). Identification and treatment of eligible admitted ABSSSI patients with dalbavancin were implemented in the post-period. Those with life-threatening infections, requiring multiple antibiotics/intensive care, or with unstable comorbidities were excluded. Outcomes were assessed over a 44-day follow-up period.ResultsOf 48 and 43 patients enrolled, respectively, in the pre- and post-periods, mean infection-related LOS was reduced in the post-period (3.2 days vs. 4.8 days; P = 0.003). Similar results were found in an adjusted LOS analysis. Work productivity and activity impairment outcomes significantly improved in the post-period (P ≤ 0.01). Complete response rates were similar: 50% (pre-period) and 57% (post-period). Among AEs identified, 17% (n = 7) were found to have possible causal relation to dalbavancin in the post-period. Few AEs were serious (n = 3; 7% post-period versus n = 1; 2% pre-period).ConclusionAfter implementing the ENHANCE ABSSSI pathway, LOS was significantly reduced by almost 2 days, with potential improvements in work productivity and ability to complete daily activities.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03233438.FundingAllergan plc.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40121-019-00275-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

456. Dalbavancin, a Long-Acting Lipoglycopeptide Antimicrobial Agent, Reduces Length of Stay and Improves Patient Work Productivity in a Hospital Critical Pathway for Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSI)—the ENHANCE ABSSSI Trial

BackgroundProlonged admissions for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) present an opportunity to improve efficiency and quality of care. A primary reason for admission for ABSSSI is to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics, where multiple guidelines support shifting care to outpatient settings for appropriate patients. A hospital pathway for ABSSSI that leverages long-acting IV antibiotic therapy, such as dalbavancin, may reduce the length of stay (LOS). The ENHANCE ABSSSI trial (NCT03233438) sought to quantify LOS vs. that of usual care after implementing a new ABSSSI pathway.MethodsA single-center, pre- vs. post-period pragmatic trial at Weill-Cornell Medical Center assessed usual care for consecutively enrolled ABSSSI patients during an observational period (pre-period). A new ABSSSI pathway was implemented in the post-period, which included (1) identification of eligible admitted ABSSSI patients and (2) treatment with dalbavancin. Those with life-threatening infections, requiring multiple antibiotics/intensive care, or with unstable comorbidities were excluded. Outcomes were assessed over a 44-day follow-up period.ResultsOf 48 and 43 patients enrolled in pre- and post-periods (Figure 1), mean infection-related LOS was reduced in the post-period (3.2 days vs. 4.8 days; P = 0.003; Figure 2 and 3). Similar results were found in an adjusted LOS analysis. Work productivity and activity impairment outcomes significantly improved in the post-period, apart from absenteeism, while quality of life was similar between periods (Figure 4). Complete response to treatment was similar between periods: 50% (pre-period) and 57% (post-period). A greater proportion of total adverse events (AEs) occurred in the post-period (n = 20; 48%) vs. pre-period (n = 3; 6%) with most AEs being mild in severity and not related to antibiotic use; few AEs were serious (7% [n = 3] post-period vs. 2% [n = 1] pre-period). The most common AEs were unrelated infection in the pre-period and fever in the post-period.ConclusionAfter implementing the ENHANCE ABSSSI pathway among eligible patients, LOS was significantly reduced by almost 2 days, with potential improvements in work productivity and the ability to complete daily activities. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Cost-effectiveness and social outcomes of a community-based treatment for podoconiosis lymphoedema in the East Gojjam zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundPodoconiosis is a disease of the lymphatic vessels of the lower extremities that is caused by chronic exposure to irritant soils. It results in leg swelling, commonly complicated by acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA), characterised by severe pain, fever and disability.MethodsWe conducted cost-effectiveness and social outcome analyses of a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial of a hygiene and foot-care intervention for people with podoconiosis in the East Gojjam zone of northern Ethiopia. Participants were allocated to the immediate intervention group or the delayed intervention group (control). The 12-month intervention included training in foot hygiene, skin care, bandaging, exercises, and use of socks and shoes, and was supported by lay community assistants. The cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using the cost of productivity loss due to acute dermatolymphangioadenitis. Household costs were not included. Health outcomes in the cost-effectiveness analysis were: the incidence of ADLA episodes, health-related quality of life captured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and disability scores measured using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0).ResultsThe cost of the foot hygiene and lymphoedema management supplies was 529 ETB (69 I$, international dollars) per person per year. The cost of delivery of the intervention as part of the trial, including transportation, storage, training of lay community assistants and administering the intervention was 1,890 ETB (246 I$) per person. The intervention was effective in reducing the incidence of acute dermatolymphangioadenitis episodes and improving DLQI scores, while there were no significant improvements in the disability scores measured using WHODAS 2.0. In 75% of estimations, the intervention was less costly than the control. This was due to improved work productivity. Subgroup analyses based on income group showed that the intervention was cost-effective (both less costly and more effective) in reducing the number of acute dermatolymphangioadenitis episodes and improving health-related quality of life in families with monthly income <1,000 ETB (130 I$). For the subgroup with family income ≥1,000 ETB, the intervention was more effective but more costly than the control.ConclusionsWhilst there is evident benefit of the intervention for all, the economic impact would be greatest for the poorest.

748 Ustekinumab Improved Work Productivity in Patients With Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis: Results From the Phase 3 UNIFI Induction and Maintenance Studies

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the effect of ustekinumab (UST) on work productivity and daily activity in patients with moderate-severe active ulcerative colitis (UC) in the UNIFI induction and maintenance studies. METHODS: In the induction study, patients were randomized to a single intravenous (IV) dose of placebo (PBO, n = 319), UST 130 mg (n = 320), or UST ∼6 mg/kg (n = 322). Patients who were in clinical response 8 wks after receiving UST IV induction were eligible for the maintenance study and randomized to subcutaneous (SC) PBO (n = 175), UST 90 mg q12w (n = 172), or UST 90 mg q8w (n = 176). Work productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI), a validated tool that assesses work time missed (absenteeism), reduced job effectiveness (presenteeism), overall work impairment, and daily activity impairment due to health over the previous week. The impact of UC on overall daily productivity at home, school, and work was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS, 0 to 10, 0 = no impact at all, 10 = impacts very much). RESULTS: At induction baseline, patients had a mean percent work time missed ranging from 17.7% to 19.3%, impairment while working from 39.1% to 45.3%, overall work impairment from 43.7% to 49.1%, and activity impairment from 51.8% to 52.8%. At Wk 8, patients who received UST IV had significantly greater improvement in WPAI domains and daily productivity VAS compared with PBO (Table 1). In the maintenance study, UST-treated patients generally maintained or numerically improved WPAI scores, while scores for patients in the PBO group worsened. The mean changes from baseline to Wk 44 in work time missed was 4.7% in the SC PBO group, -2.0% (P = 0.133) in the SC UST 90-mg-q12w group, and 2.1% (P = 0.172) in the SC UST 90-mg-q8w group, impairment while working was 7.4%, −1.6 (P = 0.017), and −6.4% (P &lt; 0.001), respectively; overall work impairment was 7.7%, −2.2% (P = 0.013), and −6.1% (P &lt; 0.001), respectively; and activity impairment was 9.3%, 0.8% (P = 0.002), and −4.2% (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Mean changes from baseline to Wk 44 in daily productivity VAS scores were 1.0, −0.2 (P &lt; 0.001), and −0.5 (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients who received UST IV induction reported significantly greater improvement in work productivity and daily activity compared with PBO. In patients who responded to UST IV induction, those who received UST SC maintenance through Wk 44 sustained or improved the levels of work productivity and activity that were achieved during induction.

A cross-sectional study on factors associated with poor work outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) affects patients in the prime of their economic productivity. We aim to identify factors associated with poor work productivity in patients with axSpA in Singapore. A cross-sectional study was performed in two tertiary centers in Singapore. Consecutive adult patients ≥21years fulfilling Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 2009 criteria for axSpA were recruited. Data on social demographics, clinical, treatment modalities and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected. Work productivity was assessed by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scale (WPAI:SpA). Factors associated with presenteeism, absenteeism, work productivity loss and activity impairment were evaluated. A total of 156 patients with axSpA were included: 72.4% employed, 80.1% male, 86.5% Chinese, median (Q1:Q3) age and duration of illness 36.7 (28.7:47.9) years, and 6.3 (1.6:12.2) years respectively. The mean (SD) activity impairment was 28.2% (24.3%). Among employed patients, mean (SD) absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity loss was 4.5% (13.7%), 24.9% (19.9%) and 27.6% (23.2%), respectively. In multivariable analysis, absenteeism was associated with disease duration (P=.02) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) (P=.04). Presenteeism was associated with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥4 (P=.04), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) (P<.01) and EQ-5D (P=.02). Work productivity loss was associated with BASFI (P=.02) and EQ-5D (P<.01). Activity impairment was associated with age (P=.04), BASDAI≥4 (P<.01), BASFI (P<.01), EQ-5D (P<.01). Active disease, reduced physical function and poorer quality of life are associated with reduced work productivity in patients with axSpA in Singapore. Addressing these factors can potentially improve work productivity in patients with axSpA.

The effects of motivational factors on construction professionals productivity in Jordan

In the current economic conditions, improving worker productivity in construction sites is becoming increasingly vital to ensure the success of projects. Multiple factors impact the productivity of workers; however, motivation is considered to be the most important factor. Past studies indicated that low productivity is one of the main challenges facing the construction industry in Jordan. This study is an attempt to explore and rank the motivational factors affecting workers productivity in the Jordanian construction sites. To achieve this objective, a mixed research strategy was adopted involving a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire was distributed to key players within the industry and included 16 motivational factors which were derived from past research on motivation. Using the importance index technique, the top 10 factors were identified which included: (1) personal growth/career improvement; (2) pay on time; (3) decision making ability; (4) decent and respectful job; (5) rewards; (6) pay amount; (7) high responsibility job; (8) challenging tasks; (9) work appreciation; and (10) team cooperation. Semi-structured interviews were used to validate the results from the questionnaire and to further understand the importance of worker motivation. The study concluded that if organizations paid attention to these motivational factors, then worker productivity, staff retention, organizational standards and the probability of successful project delivery should all be improved.

A self-aware and active-guiding training & assistant system for worker-centered intelligent manufacturing

Training and on-site assistance is critical to help workers master required skills, improve worker productivity, and guarantee the product quality. Traditional training methods lack worker-centered considerations that are particularly in need when workers are facing ever-changing demands. In this study, we propose a worker-centered training & assistant system for intelligent manufacturing, which is featured with self-awareness and active-guidance. Multi-modal sensing techniques are applied to perceive each individual worker and a deep learning approach is developed to understand the worker’s behavior and intention. Moreover, an object detection algorithm is implemented to identify the parts/tools the worker is interacting with. Then the worker’s current state is inferred and used for quantifying and assessing the worker performance, from which the worker’s potential guidance demands are analyzed. Furthermore, onsite guidance with multi-modal augmented reality is provided actively and continuously during the operational process. Two case studies are used to demonstrate the feasibility and great potential of our proposed approach and system for applying to the manufacturing industry for frontline workers.

Seven Challenges Assisted Living Must Get Right

Seven Challenges Assisted Living Must Get Right

Study of Employee work motivation at PT Bank Sulselbar Makassar Main Branch

Employee motivation at each company becomes very important, with regard to this , nowadays employees in a every company need to improve work productivity both in quantitiy and quality. This study aim to know the description of the level of work motivation of PT. Bank Sulselbar Makassar Main Branch. This research is a descriptive study designed to describe carefully, clearly and objectively about employee work motivation. Data collection techniques used were observation, documentation, questionnaires, and interviews. The result showed that employee work motivation at PT Sulselbar Makassar main branch can be categorized as good, this can be seen in each indicators, which is in the good category, the awards in the the good category, the challenges in the quite good category, responsibilities in the poor category, developments is in a good category, involvement is in a good category and opportinities in the good category

Organizational Climate Conditions and Work Productivity of State Civil Apparatus Towards the Year of Politics in Gorontalo Province

This study aims to obtain an overview of the organizational climate and its influence on the productivity of ASN work in Gorontalo Province. A total of 46 employees from 8 SKPD (Service Unit Work Unit) were made as speakers and were given questionnaires to obtain information regarding their perceptions regarding organizational climate and measuring how high their work productivity was. The researcher revealed that the organizational climate in the Gorontalo Provincial Government so far was quite conducive. However, towards the political year, according to respondents, there were often several maneuvers carried out by SKPD leaders. Likewise, the work productivity of employees is fairly good. It is proven by the annual performance report that shows the performance achievement of employees who meet the target. Improving work productivity is also influenced by organizational climate conditions. The results of the study show that the organizational climate influences the work productivity of the state civil apparatus in Gorontalo Province. Of the many factors that can affect work productivity, 10.3% of them are influenced by organizational climate factors.Keywords: Organizational Climate, Work Productivity, Year of Politics, ASN