Developing a practice and evidence-based guideline for occupational health and safety professionals to prevent and handle musculoskeletal pain in workplaces

Abstract

Practice guidelines can facilitate the translation of evidence-based knowledge into better occupational health and safety (OHS) prevention. This paper describes the development process, findings and content of a practice and evidence-based guideline for musculoskeletal pain (MSP) to OHS professionals in Denmark. We used a participatory process with involvement of more than 100 OHS professionals in the development of the guideline. The guideline contains three sections: 1) Rapid review of risk factors for MSP (Push/pull, Screen work, Lifting, Awkward postures and Psychosocial factors related to MSP) and single- and multi-stranded interventions targeting MSP. 2) Process recommendations for use of the guideline by a three-phase participatory process 3) Practical recommendations that contain advice and methods for the three-phase participatory process. This paper can promote future guideline development, as it provides specific insight into how OHS professionals can be included in the development of practice and evidence-based guideline through a participatory process.

Keywords: Guideline; Musculoskeletal pain; Occupational health and safety.