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.--P.ii.