A Multimedia Case Based Approach to the Study of Office Ergonomics
By August-Dalfen, Sharon; Snider, Laurie; Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 3-11Publication Date: 2003
Paper discusses the design and development of the ErgoROM program, which is a CD that gives occupational therapy students the opportunity to observe a client in an ergonomically challenged environment. The student is given the opportunity to act as a therapist, to observe and assess the client, and to make suitable recommendations to improve the working environment. The first phase of the software provides students with background information on a case, as well as literature and research in ergonomics. In this phase, students can read text, examine schematics, and view a videotape of an interview with the client. An observation phase allows the student to observe the client at his or her workstation while performing different tasks, while a measurement phase allows the student to make linear and angular measurements of the client at the workstation. Data is collected in this phase so that the student can resolve the clinical problem. Finally, a recommendation phase allows the student to rearrange the workstation and choose new equipment for the client. The student can then write a final report regarding the recommendations for the particular client. The ErgoROM program was used with a group of third-year occupational therapy students at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. During the last session of the course, students were given the opportunity to evaluate the program. A pilot study demonstrated that overall, 91 percent of the students rated the ErgoROM program as either “excellent” or “very good.” The students also reported that the program had a positive impact on active learning and critical thinking processes.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
