Providing high quality occupational medical services

As people become more aware that their work and the environment can adversely affect their health, greater attention will focus on the role of occupational health in preventing and evaluating certain medical concerns. This wider awareness will further the demand for quality occupational medical services. Clearly, an opportunity exists for the business and health care communities to work in concert to prevent occupational and environmental health problems. Marketing efforts that can support occupational medical services range from seminars and newsletters to unique approaches of health care delivery. Examples of the latter include "fast-track" treatment of work related injuries that bypass customary delays in most emergency departments. In this manner, client organizations benefit from the special treatment, which encourages the use of the occupational health program. Conferences geared to the business community, where topics such as back injuries, drug testing or medical surveillance are presented, can enhance the credibility of the services. Moreover, since the role of occupational medicine, especially with respect to small businesses, is poorly understood, these meetings can help establish the capabilities of the program. Efforts that promote the institution itself can also be beneficial, especially regarding highly specialized equipment and services, including magnetic resonance imaging, physical therapy equipment and research efforts of its staff. As the issues evolve, occupational health professionals will need to adapt and keep abreast of the changes. Both health care providers and business should be aware of the specialized area of knowledge associated with occupational health professionals, especially the specialty of occupational medicine. Similarly, the business community is advised to take a critical review of any provision of health services to its employees. Attention to the type of staff at a medical facility as well as their training and protocols will help insure that appropriate and quality services are being provided.