Examining the Effects of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Pain on Healthcare and Allied Health Professionals' Quality of Life

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the effects work-related musculoskeletal disorder pain has on the quality of life of high body mass indexed healthcare and allied health professional women. This qualitative research incorporated virtual semi-structured interviews, via zoom, of 10 clinically obese female healthcare and allied health workers employed at a hospital, clinic, or private health practice; and have been diagnosed by a medical doctor with a case of chronic work-related musculoskeletal disorder pain within the past six months. The study utilized a virtual setting of participants who reside and work within the United States. Data collection was performed via questionnaires, virtual one on one interviews, note taking, and video-audio recording. The researcher used Clark Moustakas (1994) transcendental phenomenological approach, combined with NVivo 15 Qualitative Data Analysis Software, to assist with achieving data triangulation and qualitative content and thematic analysis that includes: an investigation of the practical implications of data findings, allowance of an explicit discussion and careful observation of the adverse impact experienced by the participants, and the extraction of compelling statements from participants to identify themes. Moreover, the contents and themes of this study strived towards improving musculoskeletal rehabilitation by highlighting participant’s perspective of pain, and articulating suggestions of potential motivational strategies discovered to encourage patients’ consistent participation in a structured exercise regimen.