A multi-method investigation of the Prevention and Early Active Return-to-Work Safely (PEARS) program in the Northern Health Authority

This study is an investigation of participants' experiences with the Prevention and Early Active Return-to-Work (PEARS) program in Prince Rupert. PEARS was created by the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare (OHSAH) in B.C. because the injury rate for healthcare workers.;Quantitative and qualitative methods were use in this study to gain a better understanding of participants' experiences with PEARS. A phenomenological qualitative orientation was used in order to expand my understanding of PEARS through the descriptions of the participants' experiences with the program.;Quantitative findings were limited to descriptive statistics because of small sample size (n=25). From the qualitative analysis, four major themes were extrapolated: perception of PEARS, perception of injury, the efficacy of PEARS' services, and the challenges of implementing PEARS in Prince Rupert. PEARS was a positive experience. However, stakeholders will have to use creative strategies to allow for the growth of PEARS.