Relation between concrete activities and results of activities planned in conferences of the regional and occupational health fields in secondary medical care zones

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to clarify the current implemented conditions of collaborations between regional and occupational health fields in secondary medical care zones, taking into account the difficulties, and to suggest measures to promote further collaboration.Methods Self-rating questionnaires were distributed to public health nurses (PHNs) who were responsible for collaboration at 464 regional health care centers (HCCs). We asked for answers on four cases regarding the implementation and results of 22 different collaboration activities.Results We analyzed 176 questionnaires from PHNs who had been in charge of conferences for an average of two years. We found the implementation rate of conferences promoting collaboration between regional and occupational health fields to be approximately 80%, with an average duration of four years since these conferences began. Collaborative activities between regional and occupational health fields were divided into three categories: A) "Information exchange among the people involved from regional and occupational fields," B) "Collaboration in health education and counseling," and C) "New health projects based on surveys." The first and third categories (A and C) were significantly higher in the "implemented" group than in the "not implemented" group. The results of the collaborations were organized into six categories: a) "PHNs and members of the conferences (members) could learn about various resources in the community," b) "PHNs and members could build a good relationship among one another and understand community health needs appropriately," c) "Sense of accomplishment and forward progress in the construction of information exchange systems as well as improved cost effectiveness," d) "Progress in health promotion efforts was made," e) "Improvement of health literacy," and f) "An increase in the quality and quantity of participants in health services." The first to three categories (a to c) were higher in cases where three or more conferences were held per year. In addition, we found significant associations between "Collaboration in health education and counseling" (B) and "New health projects based on surveys" (C) as well as with most collaboration result categories.Conclusion This study identified three collaborative activity categories and six cooperative achievement categories. We clarified their relation with the implementation of the council and the number of conferences held. In addition, we demonstrated the possibility that successful cooperation can be realized by active engagement in collaborative activities, such as planning of substantial collaboration and new projects.