Occupational Health Nursing and the Advent of Managed Care

Abstract

1. The evolution of occupational health nursing and the advent of managed care enable today's practitioners to play strategic roles in planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of new health care delivery models. 2. Workers' compensation cost control strategies should include: 1) a focus on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and health promotion; 2) quality health care by trained and experienced occupational health professionals; 3) case management to ensure quality of care and to control unnecessary expenses; 4) effective communication between management and injured client to reduce litigation. 3. Many employers go beyond the traditional catastrophic cases and include chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and asthma, and high risk pregnancies for case management. 4. Worksite health and safety programs are a critical component of the nation's health care system.