Joanna Bohatko-Naismith

The Return-To-Work Coordinator Role: Qualitative Insights for Nursing

Introduction Few studies have examined the role of RTW Coordination from the perspective of RTW Coordinator’s. Furthermore there is little health specific literature on returning injured nurses to work despite the critical workforce shortages of these professionals. The study aimed to examine barriers and facilitators identified by the RTW Coordinator to returning injured nurses to work and influences on specific health sector or geographic location. The study sought to gain insights into the professional backgrounds and everyday work practices of RTW Coordinators. Method Five focus groups were conducted in metropolitan and rural areas of NSW, Australia. Twenty-five RTW Coordinators from 14 different organisations participated in the study. The focus groups included participants representing different health sectors (aged, disability, public and private hospital and community health). Results The data analysis identified information pertaining to the qualifications and backgrounds of RTW Coordinators; the role of RTW Coordinators’ within organisational structures; a range of technical knowledge and personal qualities for RTW Coordination and important elements of the case management style used to facilitate RTW. Conclusions The findings identified a wide range of professional backgrounds that RTW Coordinators bring to the role and the impact of organisational structures on the ability to effectively undertake RTW responsibilities. The study found that interpersonal skills of RTW Coordinators may be more important to facilitate RTW than a healthcare background. A collaborative case management style was also highlighted and the difficulties associated with juggling conflicts of interest, multiple organisational roles and the emotional impact of the work.

Musculoskeletal discomfort and use of computers in the university environment

This cross-sectional study investigated musculoskeletal discomfort and computer use in university staff, through the use of online questionnaires. Results showed a high prevalence of staff reported musculoskeletal discomfort during the preceding year (80%), with neck (60%), shoulder (53%) and lower back discomfort (47%) being the most common. Most believed discomfort was caused by work, although neck discomfort was significantly less in those reporting excellent mental health (OR 0.44, p < 0.01). Computer navigation was performed primarily by mouse (77%); however, using a touch pad increased the odds (OR 1.17, p < 0.01) of wrist discomfort and the belief it was caused by work (OR 1.19, p < 0.01). Few staff attended ergonomic training (16%) or requested workstation assessments (26%). However, high rates of staff reporting musculoskeletal discomfort sought professional treatment (range: 35.2% wrist/hand to 65.0% shoulder). Strategies are needed to address uptake of preventive measures and reduce reliance on medical treatments following musculoskeletal discomfort in universities.

Cellular Responses in Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Cytotoxicity Studies: Parts of the Map Waiting to be Composed

With the infiltration of nanotechnology into our daily life, exposure to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TNPs) has become inevitable. Many forms of exposures are capable of affecting the human health. Current research in the Titanium dioxide nanoparticle pathology field reveals that TNP is capable of inducing severe oxidative stress to in vivo and in vitro cells, which predominantly result in cellular apoptosis. This article summarizes the main pathways of TNP induced apoptosis and compares it with cigarette-smoke-induced senescence, in an attempt to identify the similarities and acknowledge knowledge gaps to question the integrity of the TNP cytotoxicity studies conducted. The viable cells in the studies reviewed are not defined, and may provide a direction for future TNP toxicology studies. *Corresponding authors: Yu, S., School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2287, Australia, E-mail: c3220962@uon.edu.au Received Date: March 07, 2017 Accepted Date: April 24, 2017 Published Date: April 26, 2017 Citation: Yu, S., et al. Cellular Responses in Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Cytotoxicity Studies: Parts of the Map Waiting to be Composed. (2017) J Med Chem Toxicol 2(2): 19. J Med Chem Toxicol | volume 2: issue 2 www.ommegaonline.org