bims-cieche 2025-09-28 papers

Issue of 2025–09–28
two papers selected by
Jonas Stefaan Steel, IDEWE

J Occup Health. 2025 Sep 24. pii: uiaf051. [Epub ahead of print]

Effectiveness of work ability interventions on productivity - A systematic review.

Kekkonen Pasi, Savolainen Eija, Immonen Mari, Kangas Pauliina, Rissanen Elisa, Linnosmaa Ismo.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to synthesize the effectiveness of work ability interventions on productivity outcomes.
METHODS: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024541404) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. In December 2024, a systematic search from 2000- onward was conducted using databases including EBSCO, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Two reviewers independently screened articles, assessed quality using risk of bias tools, extracted data, with a third reviewer resolving any disagreements. The eligibility criteria were defined using population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) elements.
RESULTS: Of the 55 articles that underwent quality assessment, 26 were excluded due to high risk of bias. Among the remaining 29 articles, 24 were RCTs, of which five conducted economic evaluation and five were NRCTs collectively conducting 33 interventions. The results of the original studies showed that five work ability interventions had a statistically significant effect on productivity. Four interventions effectively reduced absenteeism, while one intervention increased the risk of absenteeism. One intervention indicated that the cost of absenteeism was reduced, and another showed that the intervention was more effective and less costly than usual occupational care.
CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of work ability interventions showed that 28 interventions did not have an effect on productivity and only five interventions affected productivity. This systematic review highlights the limited evidence regarding evidence-based work ability interventions that affect productivity. Despite the importance of the topic, it remains understudied, and there is insufficient evidence to support decision-makers aiming to enhance productivity.

Keywords: Absenteeism; Effectiveness; Intervention; Presenteeism; Productivity; Work Ability

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/joccuh/uiaf051

Healthcare (Basel). 2025 Sep 12. pii: 2289. [Epub ahead of print]13(18):

Wearables in Healthcare Organizations: Implications for Occupational Health, Organizational Performance, and Economic Outcomes.

Daniele Virgillito, Pierluigi Catalfo, Caterina Ledda.

Background: Healthcare organizations face major challenges in protecting staff health and ensuring business continuity, particularly in high-risk settings. Wearable technologies are emerging tools to monitor occupational health indicators, improve staff safety, and strengthen organizational resilience. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence on wearable technologies in healthcare, focusing on their impact on occupational health, staff safety, and economic outcomes, as well as barriers and facilitators to their adoption. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, sources from inception to July 2025. Studies were included if they evaluated wearable technologies used by healthcare workers and assessed outcomes related to occupational health, organizational resilience, absenteeism, presenteeism, or cost-effectiveness. The review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results: 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were pilot or feasibility studies; only two randomized controlled trials were identified. The wearable technologies evaluated included continuous physiological monitoring devices, real-time location systems, hands-free communication tools, and consumer-grade devices. Evidence suggests potential benefits in improving staff safety, reducing stress and burnout, and enhancing workflow efficiency. However, economic evidence was limited and outcomes varied considerably. Barriers included alert fatigue, privacy concerns, interoperability challenges, and limited staff engagement. Facilitators included leadership support, user-centered design, and adequate infrastructure. Conclusions: Wearable technologies show promise for supporting occupational health and organizational resilience in healthcare, but evidence remains fragmented.

Keywords: absenteeism; business continuity; cost-effectiveness; healthcare workers; occupational health; organizational resilience; staff safety; wearable technologies

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13182289