We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Guganesan a/l Krishnanmoorthy on the successful defence of his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) dissertation titled “Development and Evaluation of a Participatory Ergonomic Intervention for the Reduction of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nurses.”
Tackling a Pressing Health Concern: A Summary of the Thesis
In a world where healthcare workers are increasingly strained, Dr. Guganesan’s research addresses a critical occupational health issue: work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among nurses. His mixed-methods study developed and evaluated a Participatory Ergonomic (PE) intervention, aptly named Ergorealm, which combined ergonomic training with progressive muscle relaxation.
Implemented through a cluster quasi-experimental design at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), the intervention demonstrated statistically significant reductions in musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the neck, lower back, and shoulders. It also showed improvements in nurse compliance and practical implementation, although results for absenteeism and presenteeism suggested areas for further exploration.
The study’s methodological rigour, from systematic reviews and focus group discussions to structured statistical analysis, provides a robust framework for future ergonomic health interventions.
Celebrating a Remarkable Academic Achievement
Dr. Guganesan’s journey reflects exceptional scholarly commitment and perseverance. By tackling real-world challenges in the healthcare workforce, his research offers both academic and practical value.
Advancing Public Health: A Tangible Contribution
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses have long been a hidden crisis. Dr. Guganesan’s work contributes significantly to public health by offering an evidence-based, scalable solution for a vulnerable occupational group. His Ergorealm intervention stands out not only for its effectiveness but also for its participatory nature, empowering nurses to be part of the solution.
This research underscores the urgent need to integrate ergonomic wellness into institutional healthcare policy and practice. In doing so, it supports the broader goal of promoting occupational health, improving healthcare delivery, and safeguarding the well-being of frontline workers.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr. Guganesan’s supervisors, Professor Dr. Sanjay Rampal a/l Lekhraj Rampal and Dr. Rama Krishna a/l Supramanian, and Dr Faiz Baharudin, acting as subject matter expert, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of his thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr. Khamisah Awang Lukman (Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah) as the External Examiner and Dr. Bala Murali a/l Sundram (Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya) as the Internal Examiner.
We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr. Chong Mei Chan, the Chairperson of the viva voce session; Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Post Graduate), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and Professor Dr. Victor Hoe, Head of Department, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
Looking Ahead: Bright Horizons
As Dr. Guganesan transitions from candidate to thought leader, we are confident that his passion for evidence-based intervention and occupational health will continue to make a lasting impact. His work lays a strong foundation for further research and advocacy in ergonomics and public health, particularly in institutional settings where the health of caregivers is paramount.
Congratulations once again, Dr. Guganesan! The future of public health is brighter with your contributions.
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