Factors associated with workers' perceived helpfulness of and need for health consultations given by an occupational physician at a Japanese manufacturing plant.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to clarify measures for improving the functionality of health consultations by occupational physicians, by examining factors associated with workers' perceived helpfulness of, and need for, these consultations.


METHODS
An anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted at a Japanese manufacturing plant.


RESULTS
Multiple regression analyses showed that workers' perceived helpfulness of, and need for, health consultations given by an occupational physician was held in common and significantly associated with the occupational physician's dedication and complete protection of privacy.


CONCLUSIONS
For health consultations given by occupational physicians to be effective, it is necessary to help employees realize the physicians' outstanding dedication and to convey to the workers the absolute assurance of their privacy protection.
Kudo
Yasushi
Y
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. ykudo@med.kitasato-u.ac.jp
Satoh
Toshihiko
T
Ishibashi
Mio
M
Miyajima
Eriko
E
Watanabe
Mitsuyasu
M
Miki
Takeo
T
Kido
Shigeri
S
Aizawa
Yoshiharu
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009787:Occupational Medicine; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010820:Physicians; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires