Occupational Health Research in Ireland 2014-23: identifying the need for a supported approach

Occupational Medicine is driven by evidence-based practice. A focus on country-specific research is crucial to inform local healthcare policy and service delivery.

To descriptively analyse research carried out in Ireland between 2014 and 2023, use this analysis to identify priority areas for future research and practical solutions to current difficulties in Occupational Health (OH) research practice.

A literature search was performed on medical databases, generating a list of research articles published from 2014 to 2023 using appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing directly on the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate whether a change in research output was seen from 2014 to 2019 versus 2020 to 2023 (following the COVID-19 pandemic), with independent t-tests.

A total of 101 articles were identified as per the inclusion/exclusion criteria for these 10 years. Of the articles, 60% (n = 61) had no listed author affiliated with an OH department, 3% (n = 3) listed ageing as a major theme, and one article presented economic evaluation or cost-effectiveness as a major theme.

The results from this study highlight the need for research in OH to be directed towards areas which have been recently overlooked, and the need for greater collaboration between OH multidisciplinary team professionals in research. The creation of a research guide by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, aligned to the faculty's pro-active advocacy OH strategy, could direct research towards overlooked areas. This will better inform healthcare policy and service delivery in OH in Ireland, conferring wider applicability in other countries.