Life
Long Learning and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are the processes
by which professionals, such as nurses, develop and improve their practice.
There
are many ways to address CPD: formally, through attending courses, study days
and workshops; or informally, through private study and reflection. Reading
articles in professional journals is a good way of keeping up-to-date with what
is going on in the field of practice, but reflecting and identifying what you
have learnt is not always easy. These questions are designed to help you to
identify what you have learnt from studying the article. They will also help
you to clarify what you can apply to practice, what you did not understand and
what you need to explore further.
1.
The literature search regarding LBP amongst doctors revealed…
a)
High number of articles
b) Only one article
c) Nothing of relevance
d) Low back pain is an occupational hazard
2.
The questionnaire asked about the frequency of LBP occurring for more than:
a)
72 hours
b) 36 hours
c) 48 hours
d) 24 hours
3.
What other factors were involved? Did LBP relate to:
a)
A change in life style
b) Early retirement?
c) Change in professional role?
d) Loss of promotion?
4.
What specific signs and symptoms were investigated?
a)
Musculoskeletal?
b) Neurological?
c) Ophthalmological?
d) Rheumatological?
5.
What major factors improved LBP when surgeons were operating?
a)
Adequate lighting and suitable clothing?
b) Adequate lighting and correct operating height?
c) Sitting and adequate lighting?
d) Sitting and correct operating height?
6.
Surgeons noted a reduction of LBP during
a)
Holidays?
b) Ward rounds
c) Outpatient clinics?
d) Weekends?
7.
In the sample what incidence of LBP was due to trauma?
a)
5 per cent
b) 10 per cent
c) 20 per cent
d) 30 per cent
8.
Which complementary therapy did doctors with LBP use?
a)
Aromatherapy?
b) Reflexology?
c) Acupuncture?
d) Reiki?
9.
Which analgesic was popular with both groups?
a)
Codeine
b) Aspirin
c) Alcohol
d) Paracetamol
10.
LBP is
a)
The largest single cause of sickness absence from work
b) Very difficult to diagnose
c) More common in manual workers
d) Easily treatable with strict bed rest
Feedback
1b
Review your literature searching capability. If you need further help read the
article ‘Seeking Answers’ and the Resources Guide in Sept 2000 Occupational
Health.
2d, 3a, 4b,
5d Review your knowledge of ergonomics or contact HSE for their
publications in ergonomics. Discuss with your colleagues how much input you
have into advising on the ergonomics of workstations at your place of work.
6a, 7c
8a What do you know about complementary therapies and their use in
occupational health, or back pain? Read the article in Occupational Health Dec
1999 Vol 51 no 12
9c
10a According to Birrell and Carter in "Back Statements",
Occupational Health June 2000, vol 52 no 6, back pain is costing employers £5bn
per year. Refresh your knowledge of this subject by re-reading this article
