Implementing continuous quality improvement in occupational health programs
Article Abstract:
Dramatic changes occurred in the corporate world during the 1980s, when businesses sold or closed many plants and laid off thousands of employees, including managerial staff. These trends affected occupational health physicians as well, whose numbers were sharply cut. Academic faculties, community hospitals, and multispecialty groups began to hire them instead. The changes in business policies and goals with the greatest impact on occupational health are reviewed. Medical care costs have skyrocketed in recent years, to the point where they comprise 12 percent of the Gross National Product. To reduce these costs, companies have taken steps to: reduce employees' demand for medical care; provide alternative resources for employees; and develop programs to reduce the need for medical care. For the most part, these approaches have not been successful, and one report stated that 45 percent of corporate operating profits went to pay for employee health services. The need for new managers is noted, and, within this context, the opportunities for occupational physicians in this era of change are sketched out. A partial list includes programs to protect employees against occupational hazards, programs for rehabilitation of injured or ill employees, and health promotion efforts. Physicians can add to the competitive value of the business. Issues of quality improvement and health professionals' goals are discussed. Goals should be simple and consistent with those of the organization. Leadership skills that have been identified as necessary are: self-knowledge, discipline to learn, ability to create, knowledge concerning the organization and its function, emotional wisdom, commitment, and communication skills. Occupational physicians, it would seem, have not been deemed to add value to corporations. Opportunities, though, are most definitely present. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1990
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Occupational medicine specialists in the United States: a survey
Article Abstract:
Occupational medicine specialists are physicians who diagnose and treat illnesses related to the patient's work environment. Many investigations of the supply and demand for these specialists have come to the same conclusion: there is a serious shortage of occupational medicine physicians. A survey was conducted of physicians practicing in occupational medicine to assess the numbers of these specialists and the characteristics of their practices. A total of 650 practicing occupational medicine physicians were identified. Approximately half of them accept requests for consultations from community physicians and general practitioners. The environment where the doctors practice varied by age, with older physicians usually working in industry settings and younger doctors often employed by clinics, where patients from various work settings seek medical care. Residents who are training to become physicians in occupational medicine have the option of becoming Board-certified in the specialty. However, it was found that over one third of the recent graduates from occupational medicine residency programs had chosen not to pursue Board certification. If this continues, it is likely that the number of Board-certified occupational medicine physicians will decrease in the future. Experts in work-related illnesses are needed to consult with hospitals and general practitioners, and medical residents interested in this area should be encouraged to obtain Board certification. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
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