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ABSTRACT: Background
A rapid management referral pathway was established by a private UK occupational health (OH) provider to offer assessments and advice on managing individual risk relating to Covid-19 in the workplace.Aims
The aim of this service evaluation was to assess the utilization and effectiveness of the pathway in supporting referrers during a pandemic.Methods
Referrals between March-August 2020 were analysed by date and industry to assess service utilization. A survey was sent to a convenience sample of referrers throughout this period, requesting feedback on whether the report led to a change in how the worker was managed, and whether it increased referrer confidence in managing the worker.Results
Five hundred and seventy referrals were made, predominantly from wholesale and retail; professional, scientific and technical; and food and drink production. There was a small peak of referrals from manufacturing in April and a larger peak in July-August from wholesale and retail, and food and drink production. Of 166 surveys sent, 58 were completed (35% response rate). In 71% of cases, referrers indicated that the report led to change in how the worker was managed, and in 86% of cases, referrers reported being more confident in managing the worker.Conclusions
The pathway was well-utilized. OH assessments and advice have an important role to play in a pandemic, with useful impact on how workers are managed and how confident managers feel in managing workers.
SUBMITTER: Napier J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7928657 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Occupational medicine (Oxford, England) 20210401 2
<h4>Background</h4>A rapid management referral pathway was established by a private UK occupational health (OH) provider to offer assessments and advice on managing individual risk relating to Covid-19 in the workplace.<h4>Aims</h4>The aim of this service evaluation was to assess the utilization and effectiveness of the pathway in supporting referrers during a pandemic.<h4>Methods</h4>Referrals between March-August 2020 were analysed by date and industry to assess service utilization. A survey w ...[more]