Recognition of the Relationship Between Patients’ Work and Health

Abstract

Objective: To determine the perceived value and feasibility of increased access to information about workers’ health for primary care providers (PCPs) by evaluating the need for clinical decision support (CDS) related to worker health in primary care settings. Methods: Qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and observations, were used to evaluate the value and feasibility of three examples of CDS relating work and health in five primary care settings. Results: PCPs and team members wanted help addressing patients’ health in relation to their jobs; the proposed CDS examples were perceived as valuable because they provided useful information, promoted standardization of care, and were considered technically feasible. Barriers included time constraints and a perceived inability to act on the findings. Conclusion: PCPs recognize the importance and impact of work on their patients’ health but often lack accessible knowledge at the right time. Occupational health providers can play an important role through contributions to the development of CDS that assists PCPs in recognizing and addressing patients’ health, as well as through the provision of referral guidelines.

Exploring the Link Between the Hazards and Value of Work, and Overcoming Risk for Community-Based Health Interventions for Immigrant Latinx Low-Wage Workers

“…Similarly, data from the National Health Interview Study demonstrate that employed workers worried about losing their jobs report reduced self-reported overall health (Luckhaupt et al, 2017) and increased behavioral health risk factors including smoking, inadequate sleep and obesity (Khubchandani & Price, 2017). Nonetheless, many community health practitioners have traditionally avoided delving into the role of work related stressors either because they do not feel qualified or empowered to intervene in workplace related concerns (Baron et al, 2017). Eggerth and Flynn (2012) have sought to better understand the mechanisms through which immigration status acts as a negative SDH at work.…”