The perceptions of occupational health in primary care.
OBJECTIVE
A random sample of general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses (PNs) and practice managers (PMs) in Sheffield and Manchester was recruited into a study to evaluate the perceptions of occupational health (OH) in primary care.


METHODS
Qualitative data were collected using focus groups with three groups of primary care sector professionals. Quantitative data were collected nationally from 295 GPs using a postal questionnaire.


RESULTS
GPs and PNs had minimal OH training, and 60% of GPs reported constraints in addressing OH matters with patients. The lack of referral routes (63 and 67%, respectively) was also seen as a barrier. OH was regarded as a speciality, and primary care professionals preferred to refer patients with OH problems to specialist centres because they perceived barriers to their dealing with the issues. A total of 74% of GPs surveyed thought that speedier access to secondary care would help them to address OH problems.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has identified some of the problems associated with delivering OH through primary care. It also demonstrated a need for greater emphasis on OH education in medical and nurse training, and a need for better advice for GPs, PNs and PMs regarding support services for OH.
Elms
Joanne
J
Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9JN, UK. Joanne.Elms@hsl.gov.uk
O'Hara
Rachel
R
Pickvance
Simon
S
Fishwick
David
D
Hazell
Michelle
M
Frank
Tim
T
Henson
Mandy
M
Marlow
Peter
P
Evans
Gareth
G
Bradshaw
Lisa
L
Harvey
Paul
P
Curran
Andrew
A
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health; D009817:Office Management; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires