Health promotion in occupational health.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a Swedish approach to occupational health and its implications for health promotion.


METHODS
We start business with a new customer by creating a health policy for the whole company. Every year a follow-up is presented to top management where decisions are taken on what to do for the coming period.


RESULTS
The result from a paper mill is presented where cost savings were five times more than expected. We have found that close follow-up and the use of personalized reminders is very useful for individuals. We have also found the importance of working more with "the softer side" i.e. looking into a person's total life situation. Management training activities are essential. This training includes for instance personality, communication and conflict handling seminars and every manager has to go through those seminars. The focus is moved from sick care to health improvement. The result is measured in long-term health for individuals. To reach that level you have to be healthy and have no absences for at least two years.


CONCLUSIONS
The Swedish occupational health system is a unique system for creating health. With a specially trained staff including MDs, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, management consultants and engineers, and working from prevention to treatment, they can create a total view of both individual health and customer company wealth. Working closely together in teams and in close cooperation with customers, they can initiate great changes in both these dimensions.
Kaijser
C F O
CF
IHEA, Box 27301, 102 54 Stockholm, Sweden. christian.kaijser@adlecta.se
D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000193:education; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D017146:Models, Organizational; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009787:Occupational Medicine; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017149:Private Sector; D016730:Program Development; D013548:Sweden