Who contributes to the occupational health evidence base?

Whilst there has been recognition of the need to strengthen the evidence base for occupational health in the UK, it is not clear how much different groups contribute to the emerging research.

To establish the research contribution from different types of organization and how this has changed.

All original research papers published in Occupational Medicine in the 5-year periods July 1996 to June 2001 and July 2006 to June 2011 were reviewed. The lead authors' affiliations were classified in the most relevant sector.

The number of research papers published by authors affiliated to UK organizations was greater in the past 5 years than in a similar period a decade ago. The increase is wholly explained by a large increase in papers from universities. About one-fifth of all papers published in Occupational Medicine from UK sources had a principal affiliation with the National Health Service (NHS). The number of papers affiliated to large private sector companies reduced from 14 to 2. No papers arose from the work of established specialists employed by the large commercial providers of occupational health services.

Services provided in the NHS and other public sector organizations are important contributors of new evidence in occupational health. Commissioners of public sector services should take account of the importance of this to the research and innovation in occupational health.