Home Healthcare Workers' Experiences of Occupational Risks: A Phenomenological Study.

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to reveal the occupational risks that home healthcare workers are exposed to.MethodsThis study employed a qualitative phenomenological design, and ethics committee and institutional permissions were obtained prior to data collection. The sample of the study consisted of 14 participants working in home health services in a provincial center in Türkiye between February 15 and April 15, 2023, who agreed to participate in the study and whose consent was obtained. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Characteristics Form" and "Home Healthcare Occupational Risk Experiences Assessment Form". Number and percentage were calculated in the analysis of quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used in the analysis of qualitative data.ResultsOccupational risks to which home healthcare workers are exposed were identified as "safety risk", "risks related to responsibilities", "risks related to communication" and "risk of violence". In line with their experiences, participants suggested training, on-site registration and notification, updating laws and regulations, and improving working conditions to prevent the risks they are exposed to.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that home healthcare workers are exposed to various occupational risks. The findings highlight the need to strengthen occupational health and safety policies and protective measures to reduce occupational risks among home healthcare workers. It is foreseen that the results of the study will contribute to the conduct of new studies with larger samples in different countries.