Co-operation in the prevention of work disability due to musculoskeletal disorders: A cross-sectional study among occupational health professionals in Finland
Affiliations: [a]
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| [b] Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company, Helsinki, Finland
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Erja Sormunen, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. Tel.: +353 04746016; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Occupational health service (OHS) providers and their client organizations are obligated to collaborate in promoting health and work ability. Little is known how this multiprofessional co-operation is implemented in relation to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to investigate the working practices of co-operation among OHS professionals, and between the OHSs and workplaces. METHODS:In 2015 a web-based questionnaire was sent to 3900 OHS professionals in Finland. A total of 589 responded: 106 physicians, 322 nurses, 134 physiotherapists and 27 psychologists. RESULTS:The co-operation within OHS personnel was regarded to strengthen the processes to promote work ability of workers with MSD. Despite the positive expectations of co-operation, there is a problem of having enough time to put good ideas into practice. Four main possibilities to develop co-operation were identified: creating proactive working models with defined roles; increasing awareness of importance of early intervention models; implementing the principles of good OH practice; and adopting the knowledge of the latest information to promote work ability. CONCLUSIONS:Despite its recognized importance, co-operation both with OHS colleagues and with the workplaces was not always optimal. There is a need for defined roles and common proactive working models between each stakeholder for more effective co-operation.
Keywords: Occupational health services, multiprofessional work, rehabilitation, work ability promotion
