Abstract
BackgroundThe concept of work ability (WA) has a 30-year history in Finland, where it has been used extensively in occupational health (OH) research and practice. The extent to which WA has been integrated into UK OH practice is unclear.Aims(i) To compare knowledge, understanding and use of WA among OH nurses and physicians in the UK and Finland and (ii) to identify factors that influence the use of WA in Finnish OH practice.MethodsAn online questionnaire administered to OH practitioners in the UK and Finland.ResultsA total of 436 UK and 97 Finnish OH practitioners completed the questionnaire. Though familiarity with the term ‘work ability’ was similar among Finnish and UK respondents, substantial differences were found in understanding of the term. Ninety-five per cent (Finland) and 7% (UK) of respondents reported using the Work Ability Index (WAI), a validated measure of WA, in their practice. Finnish respondents indicated that they used the WAI results primarily for individual case management, understanding population health trends, health promotion and determining WA across age groups. UK respondents primarily attributed failure to use the WAI to lack of training. Primary factors influencing use of WA in Finland included it being considered common practice and an effect ive system by which to conduct individual assessments.ConclusionsThere are large differences between Finland and the UK in the assessment of WA in OH practice. Differences may reflect contrasting OH legislative frameworks.
Highlights
In recent years, the work ability (WA) construct has become an increasingly popular focus of attention in occupational health (OH) research [1,2].WA and its associated measurement instrument, the Work Ability Index (WAI), have been used extensively in OH practice in a number of countries [3,4,5,6,7], in addition to Finland, from where they originate [3,8]
Anecdotal evidence suggests that OH professionals in the UK have begun to use, or express interest in using,WA in response to its increasingly widespread use in OH research, the gradual accumulation of information from Finland on its potential uses in OH practice and the challenges presented to OH management by an ageing workforce
Professionals are aware of, understand and consider WA in their practice. This study explores these issues among OH nurses and physicians from the UK and Finland
Summary
The work ability (WA) construct has become an increasingly popular focus of attention in occupational health (OH) research [1,2].WA and its associated measurement instrument, the Work Ability Index (WAI), have been used extensively in OH practice in a number of countries [3,4,5,6,7], in addition to Finland, from where they originate [3,8]. There is no scientific evidence on the extent to which UK-based OH professionals are aware of, understand and consider WA in their practice. This study explores these issues among OH nurses and physicians from the UK and Finland. WA can be defined as a worker’s capacity to manage their job demands in relation to their health and mental resources. The extent to which WA has been integrated into UK OH practice is unclear
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