Physician Occupational Disease Practice Survey
| Principal investigator(s): | D. Linn Holness
(St. Michael’s Hospital) |
| Co-investigator(s): | Susan Tarlo (St. Michael's Hospital);
Gary Liss, Frances Silverman (University of Toronto) |
| Sponsoring Institution: | St. Michael’s Hospital |
Objective
Physicians have a key role in recognition of occupational diseases. For occupational asthma and contact dermatitis (OA, OCD), the longer the duration of symptoms before diagnosis, the poorer the outcome. Our objective was to understand practice patterns, knowledge, barriers and needs for early diagnosis of occupational lung and skin disease for family physicians, respirologists and dermatologists.
Method
Following focus groups and interviews, a survey was developed and sent to all dermatologists, respirologists and a random sample of 400 family physicians in Ontario.
Results
Most physicians see less than 20 patients a year with OA or OCD. The majority report taking a work history and providing advice on exposures. Barriers include time constraints and lack of knowledge. Reasons for referral to specialists include a lack of expertise, testing facilities and knowledge about WSIB, time constraints and inadequate re-imbursement, while lack of access to specialists is a barrier for referral. Most physicians identify a need for further education. Barriers to this include a low volume of patients and time constraints. Important information sources are continuing education events, journals and specialist reports.
Conclusions
Opportunities are identified to improve educational initiatives and health services delivery for occupational disease, with approaches tailored to each particular physician group.
Publications
Tabassum S., Tarlo S., Liss G., Silverman, F., and Holness, D.L. (2005). "Practice patterns and educational assessment of Ontario respirologists (RPs) for occupational lung disease." Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 2:A443.
For more information: holnessl@smh.toronto.on.ca
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