A study on coordination of occupational and community health--a survey of occupational health nurses

Abstract

The survey was conducted on occupational health nurses to find out their awareness of the issue, levels of coordination practiced at work and contributing factors. Based on the results, measures to facilitate the coordination of the two areas were examined. The major findings are as follows: 1. Cooperation between occupational and community health nurses: More than 40% of the occupational health nurses surveyed were aware of the necessity for cooperation with community health nurses. However, less than 7% of those surveyed actually practiced it at work. The deciding factors included the use of a support system in the community, previous training in community health, and work experience in health centers in the community. To facilitate the cooperation between the two sectors, it is suggested that occupational health nurses acquire more knowledge of community health issues. 2. Coordination through focusing on the employee's life in the community: More than 85% of those surveyed were aware of the necessity of coordinating occupational and community health issues through focusing on the lives of the employees in the community. However, less than 30% practiced it at work. Awareness and practice of occupational health planning scored the lowest. The deciding factors included completion of a public health nursing course and the number of employees assigned to each nurse, the use of a support system in the community, and previous training in community health. To facilitate coordination of occupational and community health issues, it is suggested that occupational health nurses acquire more knowledge of community health issues, the number of employees assigned be carefully considered, and that activities focusing on community health be incorporated into occupational health planning.