Primary care visits in the Finnish occupational health services and their connections to prevention and work-related factors
Year: 2012
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: ABSTRACT In Finland, most employers offer primary care for their employees in addition to the preventive occupational health services (OHS). The purpose of this study was to determine the role of OHS in the health care of working persons as well as the relationship between primary care visits to OHS and prevention and work-related factors. The study showed that over 50% of employees used only OHS for primary care and the use of public health care was reduced. Men seemed to favour OHS as a primary health care provider. The proportion of visits to occupational health (OH) physicians was found to have increased compared to other OH professionals. Mental health problems, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic illnesses impairing work ability, and poor work ability were associated with visits to OHS but still about half of the employees with these problems did not use OHS. The role of OH nurses seemed important in detecting insomnia, burnout, and depressive disorders. Work-related symptoms and work ability were found to be frequently examined during OHS primary care visits. Over half of the visits to OH physicians were work-related when the reason for consulting was at least partially due to work or when the need for sickness absence was considered. Workplace harassment and lack of influence on one s work was associated with visits to OH nurses or physicians, indicating that they have the possibility to gain knowledge about work-related factors through primary care visits. Employers requirements of sickness certificates covering the first day of sickness were associated with visiting OHS among men. The role of supervisors in controlling short sickness absences could be emphasized. Although health promotion and interventions aimed at work were carried out in primary care visits to OH physicians, interventions aimed at workplaces could be increased. In conclusion, OHS primary care contributes to preventive activities and is often interrelated with employees work and work ability.
Source: Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja
Author: Annukka Ikonen
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1532629404