Communication between an occupational physician and other medical practitioners--an audit |
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Authors: | de Bono A M |
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Institution: | Occupational Health Department, Leicester General Hospital Gwendolen Road, Leicester, UK |
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Abstract: | Four hundred and seventy-two consecutive referral episodes relatingto 386 patients attending the Occupational Health Departmentof a general teaching hospital were analyzed to evaluate thefrequency, content and effect on management of communicationsbetween the occupational physician and other doctors. In all,250 episodes (53%) were associated with such a communication.The likelihood of a communication was strongly influenced byreason for referral, particularly in respect of long or shortterm sickness absence; univariate odds ratios (OR)=10.58, 95%Cl=8.1327.08) and 2.65, 95% Cl=1.554.60) respectively;a medical diagnosis of psychiatric illness (OR=3.17, 95% Cl=1.695.97));and by number of consultations. Communication was also morelikely when the occupational outcome was ill health retirement,rehabilitation in work or modified work. Ninety-eight per centof specific requests for information or an opinion eliciteda reply. Information received from other doctors influencedthe occupational health physician's management in 52 referralepisodes (20%). Specific action by GPs as a result of communicationwas documented in 54 and by specialists in 37 episodes. Theimportance of communication between occupational health physicianand other doctors in the occupational health process is confirmed. |
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Keywords: |           Audit communication occupational health consultation |
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