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Table 3 Theoretical determinants, methods and practical strategies

From: Using an intervention mapping approach to develop prevention and rehabilitation strategies for musculoskeletal pain among surgeons

Theoretical determinants

Change objectives

Theory-based methods

Practical strategies

Knowledge

 The benefits of strength training

 Impact of work on musculoskeletal health

 Physical ergonomic guidelines and ergonomic equipment

 The benefits of micro-breaks

Personalise risk

Modelling

Active learning

Mandatory workshops must be introduced on surgical wards to give surgeons knowledge about potential musculoskeletal pain while working as a surgeon, and about the prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain

Skills

 Perform strength training

 Prevent negative impacts of work

 Use ergonomic equipment

 Perform micro-breaks

Guided practice

Active learning

At workshops surgeons learn skills to prevent and rehabilitate musculoskeletal pain

Attitude

 Prioritise physical exercise training

 Acceptance of negative impact of work on musculoskeletal health

 Positive acceptance of ergonomic equipment

 Acceptance of usefulness of micro-breaks

 Articulation and shared understanding of working conditions

Modelling

Verbal persuasion

Appointed health ambassadors help produce a positive attitude to health promotion initiatives on local surgical wards

Social influence

 Surgeons, management, and the hospital build up a positive and sustainable healthy working environment on surgical wards

Verbal persuasion

Modelling

Surgeons and management prioritise and enforce the importance of health promotion initiatives.

Ward management initiates upstart meetings with newly appointed surgeons to promote health initiatives.

Self-efficacy

 Believe in their ability to organise exercise training

 Believe that a preventive effort will pay off in the long-term

 Believes in the preventive effect of ergonomic equipment

 Believe in the preventive effect of micro-breaks

Modelling

Active learning

Verbal persuasion

Appointed health ambassadors initiate and maintain health promotion initiatives on local surgical wards.

Ward management establish the structures that make it possible for surgeons to perform health promotion activities at work.

Outcome expectations

 Strength training leads to a healthier musculoskeletal system

 Prioritising micro-breaks leads to a healthier musculoskeletal system

 Using ergonomic equipment leads to a healthier musculoskeletal system

 Mutual understanding of work-related musculoskeletal pain leads to acceptance and better musculoskeletal health

Modelling

Verbal persuasion

At workshops, surgeons receive knowledge about the consequences of suffering from musculoskeletal pain

At workshops surgeons get detailed knowledge about benefits from health promotion activities. Health ambassadors support surgeons’ health and initiatives for maintaining good work ability for surgeons.