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Kluit L, de Wind A, Oosting IJ, van Velzen JM, Beumer A, Sluman MA, van Bennekom CAM, de Boer AGEM. Current practices, needs, and expectations of discussing work with a medical specialist from a patient's perspective: a qualitative study. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:115-128. [PMID: 36564948 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2157500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Attention to paid work in clinical health care-clinical work-integrating care (CWIC)-might be beneficial for patients of working age. However, the perceptions and expectations of patients about CWIC are unknown. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of current practices, needs, and expectations among patients for discussing work with a medical specialist. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative study was undertaken involving patients with diverse medical conditions (n = 33). Eight online synchronous focus groups were held. A thematic analysis was then performed. RESULTS Three themes emerged from the data: (1) the process of becoming a patient while wanting to work again, (2) different needs for different patients, (3) patients' expectations of CWIC. We identified three different overarching categories of work-concerns: (a) the impact of work on disease, (b) the impact of disease or treatment on work ability, and (c) concerns when work ability remained decreased. For each category of concerns, patients expected medical specialists to perform differing roles. CONCLUSIONS Patients indicated that they need support for work-related concerns from their medical specialists and/or other professionals. Currently, not all work concerns received the requested attention, leaving a portion of the patients with unmet needs regarding CWIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Kluit
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid de Wind
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilse J Oosting
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M van Velzen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Heliomare Rehabilitation Center, Research and Development, The Netherlands
| | - Annechien Beumer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Upper Limb Unit Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Maayke A Sluman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A M van Bennekom
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Heliomare Rehabilitation Center, Research and Development, The Netherlands
| | - Angela G E M de Boer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kluit L, van Bennekom CAM, Beumer A, Sluman MA, de Boer AGEM, de Wind A. Clinical Work-Integrating Care in Current Practice: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023:10.1007/s10926-023-10143-1. [PMID: 37966538 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical work-integrating care (CWIC) refers to paying attention to work participation in a clinical setting. Working patients may benefit from CWIC. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent and nature to which medical specialists provide CWIC and what policies and guidelines oblige or recommend specialists to do. METHODS A scoping review was conducted. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psychinfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for studies on the extent and nature of CWIC and supplemented by gray literature on policies and guidelines. Six main categories were defined a priori. Applying a meta-aggregative approach, subcategories were subsequently defined using qualitative data. Next, quantitative findings were integrated into these subcategories. A separate narrative of policies and guidelines using the same main categories was constructed. RESULTS In total, 70 studies and 55 gray literature documents were included. The main findings per category were as follows: (1) collecting data on the occupation of patients varied widely; (2) most specialists did not routinely discuss work, but recent studies showed an increasing tendency to do so, which corresponds to recent policies and guidelines; (3) work-related advice ranged from general advice to patient-physician collaboration about work-related decisions; (4) CWIC was driven by legislation in many countries; (5) specialists sometimes collaborated in multidisciplinary teams to provide CWIC; and (6) medical guidelines regarding CWIC were generally not available. CONCLUSION Medical specialists provide a wide variety of CWIC ranging from assessing a patient's occupation to extensive collaboration with patients and other professionals to support work participation. Lack of medical guidelines could explain the variety of these practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Kluit
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Coen A M van Bennekom
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research and Development, Heliomare Rehabilitation Centre, Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
| | - Annechien Beumer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Upper Limb Unit Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Maayke A Sluman
- Department of Cardiology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
| | - Angela G E M de Boer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid de Wind
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Fukuda Y, Homma T, Sagara H. Clinical inertia in asthma. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2023; 33:34. [PMID: 37838773 PMCID: PMC10576819 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-023-00356-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in pharmaceutical treatment in recent years, a relatively high proportion of patients with asthma do not have adequate asthma control, causing chronic disability, poor quality of life, and multiple emergency department visits and hospitalizations. A multifaceted approach is needed to overcome the problems with managing asthma, and clinical inertia (CI) is a crucial concept to assist with this approach. It divides clinical inertia into three main categories, which include healthcare provider-related, patient-related, and healthcare system-related CI. The strategies to overcome these CI are complex, and the M-GAP approach, which combines a multidisciplinary approach, dissemination of guidelines, utilization of applications, and development and promotion of low-cost prescriptions, will help clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Fukuda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Yamanashi Red Cross Hospital, 6663-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi, Japan.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Homma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Sagara
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Gandhi SA, Heinzerling A, Flattery J, Cummings KJ. Occupational Contributions to Respiratory Health Disparities. Clin Chest Med 2023; 44:635-649. [PMID: 37517841 PMCID: PMC10861114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Occupation is an important contributor to disparities in respiratory disease, affecting financial status, health-care access, and exposure to hazardous substances. Although occupation and associated exposures are included in the socioecological models, work exposures remain persistently absent from research on health inequities and their contribution to health. This article focuses on the occupational contribution to disparities in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, silicosis, coronavirus disease 2019, and lung cancer. Because occupational exposures are largely preventable through proper workplace controls, the recognition of occupational causes of disease can provide an opportunity for interventions to bring about health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheiphali A Gandhi
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 2330 Post St Ste 460, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Amy Heinzerling
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway P-3, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Jennifer Flattery
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway P-3, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Kristin J Cummings
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway P-3, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
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MacKinnon M, Barrick K, Lévesque LE, Liss G, Tarlo SM, Lougheed MD. Linkage of administrative and compensation databases for work-related asthma surveillance in Ontario: A proof of concept study. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY, CRITICAL CARE, AND SLEEP MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2022.2161025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Madison MacKinnon
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kendra Barrick
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Linda E. Lévesque
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Liss
- Department of Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
| | - Susan M. Tarlo
- Department of Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
- Respiratory Division, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M. Diane Lougheed
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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6
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MacKinnon M, Moloney M, Bullock E, Morra A, To T, Lemiere C, Lougheed MD. Implementation of a Work-Related Asthma Screening Questionnaire in Clinical Settings: Multimethods Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e37503. [PMID: 35964327 PMCID: PMC9523520 DOI: 10.2196/37503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A work-related asthma (WRA) screening questionnaire is currently being validated for implementation in clinical settings. To minimize barriers to integrating tools into clinical practice, a discussion of strategies for the implementation of the questionnaire has begun. Objective This study aimed to understand the benefits, feasibility, barriers, and limitations of implementing the Work-related Asthma Screening Questionnaire–Long version (WRASQ[L]) and asthma e-tools in clinical settings and propose dissemination and implementation strategies for the WRASQ(L). Methods This study was conducted in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, from September 2019 to August 2021. A workshop and 2 questionnaires were used to understand the benefits of and barriers to implementing the questionnaire in clinical settings. An expert advisory committee was established to develop the implementation and dissemination strategies. Workshops were semistructured and used thematic qualitative analysis to identify themes that provided an understanding of the benefits and limitations of and barriers to using the WRASQ(L), and e-tools in general, in clinical settings. Workshop participants included patients and health care providers, including physicians, nurses, and asthma educators, who were implementation specialists and expert electronic medical record users. A questionnaire focusing on providers’ knowledge and awareness of WRA and another focusing on WRASQ(L) feedback was administered at the workshops. Advisory committee members from relevant stakeholders met 3 times to strategize implementation opportunities. Results A total of 6 themes were identified in the workshop: involving and addressing patient needs, novel data collection, knowledge translation, time considerations, functional and practical barriers, and human limitations. Questionnaire responses yielded positive feedback on the utility of the WRASQ(L) in clinical settings. All participants agreed that it is an easy way of collecting information on occupational and exposure history and could prompt a discussion between the health care provider and patient on how the workplace and exposures could affect one’s asthma, increase awareness of WRA in patients and providers, and increase awareness of exposures in the workplace. Implementation and dissemination strategies were generated with input from the advisory committee. Conclusions Stakeholders and workshop participants consider the WRASQ(L) to be a useful tool that satisfies many provider needs in their clinical settings. Once validated, dissemination strategies will include developing educational materials that include the WRASQ(L), linking the questionnaire to stakeholder websites or e-toolkits, translation into other languages, leveraging health care and research networks, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. Implementation strategies will include integration into electronic medical records; designing multifaceted interventions; and targeting nontraditional settings such as workplaces, pharmacies, and research settings. The WRASQ(L) addresses many benefits of and barriers to implementation, as identified in the workshop themes. These themes will guide future implementation and dissemination strategies, noting that human limitations identified in providers and patients will need to be overcome for successful implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison MacKinnon
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Max Moloney
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Bullock
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Alison Morra
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Teresa To
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine Lemiere
- Department of Chest Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, Montreal, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, ON, Canada
| | - M Diane Lougheed
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Awli YF, Addis G. An audit of the British Thoracic Society asthma discharge care bundle in a teaching hospital. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:772-779. [PMID: 34251850 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2021.30.13.772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK asthma mortality rate has risen by 33% over a decade. The national enquiry into 195 asthma-related deaths revealed that most of these deaths were preventable. The Asthma Discharge Care Bundle (ADCB) is recommended for use when discharging patients with an acute asthma attack and/or exacerbation. AIM To review the implementation of the British Thoracic Society (BTS) bundle in a teaching hospital. METHODS A 12-month retrospective audit was conducted on 86 adult patients treated for asthma attacks. FINDINGS The results of the audit indicated that the hospital has complied with the ADCB. In total, 85% of patients had their inhaler technique checked, but 62% of them were not provided with any written inhaler use instructions. The respiratory clinical nurse specialists were more compliant with most of the bundle statements than the medical team. CONCLUSION The findings highlighted the need for asthma education sessions for all health professionals with emphasis on record-keeping skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawoa Foli Awli
- Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London
| | - Gulen Addis
- Senior Lecturer, School of Healthcare and Social Work, Buckinghamshire New University, Uxbridge
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Walters GI, Barber CM. Barriers to identifying occupational asthma among primary healthcare professionals: a qualitative study. BMJ Open Respir Res 2021; 8:e000938. [PMID: 34362763 PMCID: PMC8351481 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2021-000938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Occupational asthma (OA) accounts for one in six cases of adult-onset asthma and is associated with a large societal cost. Many cases of OA are missed or delayed, leading to ongoing exposure to the causative agent and avoidable lung function loss and poor employment-related outcomes. Enquiry about work-related symptoms and the nature of work by healthcare professionals (HCPs) is limited, evident in primary and secondary care. Potential reasons cited for this are time pressure, lack of expertise and poor access to specialists. AIM To understand organisational factors and beliefs and behaviours among primary HCPs that may present barriers to identifying OA. METHODS We employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology and undertook 20-45 min interviews with primary HCPs in West Midlands, UK. We used purposive and snowball sampling to include general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses with a range of experience, from urban and rural settings. Interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed professionally for analysis. Data were coded by hand, and thematic analysis was undertaken and determined theoretically until themes were saturated. RESULTS Eleven HCPs participated (eight GPs, three nurses). Four themes were identified that were considered to impact on identification of OA: (1) training and experience, (2) perceptions and beliefs, (3) systems constraints, and (4) variation in individual practice. OA-specific education had been inadequate at every stage of training and practice, and clinical exposure to OA had been generally limited. OA-specific beliefs varied, as did clinical behaviour with working-age individuals with asthma. There was a focus on diagnosis and treatment rather than attributing causation. Identified issues regarding organisation of asthma care were time constraints, lack of continuity, referral pressure, use of guidelines and templates, and external targets. CONCLUSION Organisation and delivery of primary asthma care, negative OA-related beliefs, lack of formal education, and exposure to OA may all currently inhibit its identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth I Walters
- Regional NHS Occupational Lung Disease Service, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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MacKinnon M, To T, Ramsey C, Lemière C, Lougheed MD. Improving detection of work-related asthma: a review of gaps in awareness, reporting and knowledge translation. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2020; 16:73. [PMID: 32922457 PMCID: PMC7477867 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-020-00470-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Work-related asthma (WRA) accounts for up to 25% of all adults with asthma. Early diagnosis is key for optimal management as delays in diagnosis are associated with worse outcomes. However, WRA is significantly underreported and the median time to diagnosis is 4 years. The objective of this review is to identify the gaps in awareness and reporting of WRA and identify gaps in current knowledge translation strategies for chronic disease in general, and asthma specifically. This will identify reasons for delays in WRA diagnosis, as well inform suggestions to improve knowledge translation strategies for dissemination and implementation of WRA prevention and management guidelines. Methods Non-systematic literature reviews were conducted on PubMed with a focus on work-related asthma screening and diagnosis, and knowledge translation or translational medicine research in asthma and chronic disease. In total, 3571 titles and abstracts were reviewed with no restriction on date published. Of those, 207 were relevant and fully read. Another 37 articles were included and reviewed after citation reviews of articles from the initial search and from suggestions from editors. In total, 63 articles were included in the final review. Results Patients, employers, and healthcare professionals lack awareness and under-report WRA which contribute to the delayed diagnosis of WRA, primarily through lack of education, stigma associated with WRA, and lack of awareness and screening in primary care. Knowledge translation strategies for asthma research typically involve the creation of guidelines for diagnosis of the disease, asthma care plans and tools for education and management. While there are some prevention programs in place for certain industries, gaps in knowledge translation strategies including lack of screening tools currently available for WRA, poor education of employers and physicians in identifying WRA, and education of patients is often done post-diagnosis and focuses on management rather than prevention or screening. Conclusion Future knowledge translation strategies should focus on educating employees and employers well before potential exposure to agents associated with WRA and screening for WRA in primary care to enable health care providers to recognize and diagnose WRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison MacKinnon
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, 72 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7 Canada.,Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, 102 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V6 Canada
| | - Teresa To
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Research Institute, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Clare Ramsey
- Department of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 810 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A1R9 Canada
| | - Catherine Lemière
- Department of Chest Medicine, CIUSSS du nord de l'île de Montréal, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, 5400 Gouin West, Montreal, QC H4J 1C5 Canada
| | - M Diane Lougheed
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, 72 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7 Canada.,Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, 102 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V6 Canada
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10
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Kushner R, Kramer DM, Holness DL. Feasibility of clinicians asking patients about their exposure to occupational hazards: An intervention at five primary care health centres. Work 2018; 60:365-384. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-182750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rivka Kushner
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Desre M. Kramer
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - D. Linn Holness
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Hawley B, Cummings KJ, Mohammed M, Dimmock AE, Bascom R. Allergic sinusitis and severe asthma caused by occupational exposure to locust bean gum: Case report. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:658-663. [PMID: 28497854 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
We present a case that highlights the difficulties with diagnosis and the dangers of occupational allergic sinusitis and asthma left unrecognized. We describe the case history of a man who experienced work-related symptoms 1 year after beginning work as a cheesemaker at a creamery, and whose respiratory symptoms progressively worsened over 16 years before an occupational cause of his asthma was identified. His initial discrete episodes of sinusitis and acute bronchitis evolved into persistent asthma of increasing severity with exacerbations requiring repeated emergency room treatment. The case described in our report emphasizes the importance of clinician diagnosis of OA, and subsequent removal from exposure, such that asthma severity does not progress to near-fatal or fatal asthma in the sensitized worker. As demonstrated by this case report, identification of an occupational cause of asthma relies on a high degree of suspicion and excellent detective work by the clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brie Hawley
- Respiratory Health Division; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Kristin J. Cummings
- Respiratory Health Division; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Morgantown West Virginia
| | | | - Anne E. Dimmock
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Penn State Hershey College of Medicine; Hershey Pennsylvania
| | - Rebecca Bascom
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Penn State Hershey College of Medicine; Hershey Pennsylvania
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12
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Rationale for Development of Work-Related Asthma Educational Tools for Asthmatics. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN ALLERGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40521-017-0119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Lipszyc JC, Gotzev S, Scarborough J, Liss GM, Gupta S, Tarlo SM. Evaluation of the efficacy of a web-based work-related asthma educational tool. J Asthma 2016; 53:1071-5. [PMID: 27171247 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2016.1171340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related asthma (WRA) has been estimated to account for 15-20% of adult asthma cases. Studies have indicated that a substantial number of asthma patients have inadequate knowledge of work-related effects on their disease, which may contribute to suboptimal asthma control. A Canadian web-based educational tool on WRA was developed to address this knowledge gap in the population. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of this web-based tool. METHODS Participants were recruited prior to a routine visit at a tertiary care asthma clinic in Toronto. A brief WRA knowledge questionnaire was developed and administered immediately before and after using of the web-based educational tool, and one year later. RESULTS The study sample (N = 34) was mostly female (68%) with a mean age of 50.7 (SD, 17.2). Participants demonstrated significant improvement in questionnaire scores following interaction with the tool. The mean score increased from 76% (SEM = 2.1) to 84% (SEM = 1.7) (p = 0.001). On average, scores improved on 12 of the 13 questionnaire items. A 1-year follow-up of a sample of 19 participants demonstrated a slight reduction in mean scores, from 86% (SEM = 1.9) to 84% (SEM = 1.9), but still demonstrated a trend towards a higher score than the baseline (78%; SEM = 2.9; p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the educational tool has a positive effect on WRA knowledge, and that knowledge may be retained long-term. Future studies are needed in non-tertiary care clinic populations which may possess less baseline knowledge of WRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Lipszyc
- a Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network , Toronto , Canada
| | - Simeon Gotzev
- b Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | | | - Gary M Liss
- d Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Samir Gupta
- e Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Susan M Tarlo
- f Department of Medicine and Dalla Lana School of Public Health , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.,g Toronto Western Hospital, Centre for Research Excellence in Occupational Diseases, and Keenan Research Centre, St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto , Canada
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14
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Walters GI, Soundy A, Robertson AS, Burge PS, Ayres JG. Understanding health beliefs and behaviour in workers with suspected occupational asthma. Respir Med 2015; 109:379-88. [PMID: 25657173 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Revised: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long delays from symptom onset to the diagnosis of occupational asthma have been reported in the UK, Europe and Canada and workers are often reluctant to seek medical help or workplace solutions for their symptoms. Reducing this delay could improve workers' quality of life, and reduce the societal cost of occupational asthma. This study aimed to explore reasons behind such delays. METHODS A purposive sample of 20 individuals diagnosed with, or under investigation for, occupational asthma (median age = 52; 70% male; 80% white British) undertook a single semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was undertaken in order to explore health beliefs and identify barriers to diagnosis. RESULTS Four themes were identified: (1) workers' understanding of symptoms, (2) working relationships, (3) workers' course of action and (4) workers' negotiation with healthcare professionals. Understanding of symptoms varied between individuals, from a lack of insight into the onset, pattern and nature of symptoms, through to misunderstanding of what they represented, or ignorance of the existence of asthma as a disease entity. Workers described reluctance to discuss health issues with managers and peers, through fear of job loss and a perceived lack of ability to find a solution. The evolution of workers' understanding depended upon how actively they looked to define symptoms or seek a solution. Proactive workers were motivated to seek authoritative help and negotiate inadequate healthcare encounters with GPs. CONCLUSION Understanding workers' health beliefs will enable policy makers and clinicians to develop better workplace interventions that may aid diagnosis and reduce delay in identifying occupational asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth I Walters
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Andy Soundy
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alastair S Robertson
- Occupational Lung Disease Unit, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, B9 5SS, UK
| | - P Sherwood Burge
- Occupational Lung Disease Unit, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, B9 5SS, UK
| | - Jon G Ayres
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Killorn KR, Dostaler SM, Groome PA, Lougheed MD. The use of a work-related asthma screening questionnaire in a primary care asthma program: an intervention trial. J Asthma 2014; 52:398-406. [PMID: 25290815 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2014.971966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The work-related asthma screening questionnaire (long-version) (WRASQ(L)) is a 14-item tool designed to increase the recognition of work-related asthma (WRA) in primary care. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the WRASQ(L) provided additional information about a patient's likelihood of WRA, beyond what was collected in standard care, and to assess the use of the WRASQ(L) in the primary care setting. METHODS This was an intervention study involving two Ontario primary care sites. Standard care for asthma patients in these sites involved completing the Asthma Care Map (ACM), a template for asthma management that includes seven WRA screening items. Participation in this study involved completing an electronic WRASQ(L) at each visit for participants and prompted care providers to record details related to WRA investigations. Ethics approval was obtained from an Institutional Review Board. RESULTS The study sample (N = 37) was predominantly female (73.0%), with a mean age of 46.3 years (SD, 10.9). The use of WRASQ(L) identified additional work-related symptoms in 38% and exposures in 60% of participants over and above those identified by the ACM. Two participants were newly suspected of WRA during the study period. CONCLUSIONS The WRASQ(L) provided added information about possible WRA over standard care. The use of the questionnaire's results by care providers was limited due to barriers encountered in incorporating the use of electronic version of the WRASQ(L) into clinical practice. Once validated and implemented in practice, the WRASQ(L) has the potential to increase the recognition of WRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie R Killorn
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital , Ontario , Canada
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Killorn KR, Dostaler SM, Olajos-Clow J, Turcotte SE, Minard JP, Holness DL, Kudla I, Lemière C, To T, Liss G, Tarlo SM, Lougheed MD. The development and test re-test reliability of a work-related asthma screening questionnaire. J Asthma 2014; 52:279-88. [PMID: 25180965 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2014.956892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Work-related asthma (WRA) is under-recognized and delays in recognition contribute to long-term morbidity. The objective of the project was to develop a WRA screening questionnaire for use by primary care providers in the assessment of individuals with asthma, and to evaluate the respondent burden, test re-test reliability and face validity of the questionnaire. METHODS A literature search was undertaken and an expert advisory committee was convened. A questionnaire was drafted and assessed for feasibility of use and content validity. The study enrolled patients with asthma attending outpatient clinics and an asthma education center. Participants were asked to respond to the questionnaire on two occasions, and comment on the content (face validity) and ease of completion (respondent burden). Ethics approval was obtained from an institutional review board. RESULTS A 14-item self-administered screening questionnaire was created. Thirty-nine participants were recruited, and 26 participants completed a second administration of the questionnaire. The items on the relation of asthma symptoms to work demonstrated substantial agreement between testings. The workplace exposures items were found to have good reproducibility. The majority of participants denied that items were repetitive, not useful or difficult to understand. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a WRA screening questionnaire designed to aid primary care providers in the recognition of possible WRA. The tool exhibited content and face validity, good test re-test reliability and low respondent burden. Participant feedback is being considered in revisions of the questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie R Killorn
- Asthma Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
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Barriers to the recognition and reporting of occupational asthma by Canadian pulmonologists. Can Respir J 2012; 18:90-6. [PMID: 21499594 DOI: 10.1155/2011/754726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational asthma is a common, but probably under-recognized problem. OBJECTIVE To identify the factors that suggest work-related asthma when a pulmonologist encounters an adult patient with new-onset asthma, and to identify the barriers to recognizing and reporting such cases. METHODS A postal questionnaire was sent to all pulmonologists in Canada. The questionnaire asked participants to respond to several questions about recognizing, diagnosing and reporting occupational asthma. Answers were scored using visual analogue scales. RESULTS A total of 201 eligible responses were received from 458 pulmonologists. Pulmonologists identified that the most important factor in initially considering the role of work in occupational asthma was having seen others affected at the same workplace, or exposed to the same agent. Important perceived barriers to considering a diagnosis of occupational asthma were physicians' low awareness, lack of knowledge and time. The most important barriers to reporting cases were the pulmonologists' perceived patient concerns regarding job security and income. Quebec pulmonologists generally perceived barriers to recognizing and reporting occupational asthma to be less important, and believed that the use of specific inhalation challenge was more important in considering a diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonologists most readily recognized occupational asthma caused by a substance or process that they previously encountered as a possible cause of asthma. Time constraints and knowledge may hamper their ability to recognize occupational asthma. Concerns regarding the effect of the diagnosis on the patient's job and income may discourage reporting.
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Hoffman SA, Manaker S. Consultations after elimination of payments for evaluation and management consultation codes. Chest 2011; 139:933-938. [PMID: 21467061 DOI: 10.1378/chest.10-1340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A consultation service provides expert opinion or advice at the request of another provider. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) eliminated reimbursement for the outpatient and inpatient consultation codes traditionally used to report these services (CPT 99241-99245 and 99251-99255, respectively), and private payers are likely to follow suit. CMS has instead mandated that these services are mapped to new or established visit codes for outpatients (99201-99205 or 99212-99215) and to initial or subsequent hospital services codes for inpatients (99221-99223 or 99231-99233). This article reviews appropriate medical consultation and provides specific guidance for the reporting of these services to CMS and other payers not reimbursing consultation codes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hoffman
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Scott Manaker
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Arnaud S, Cabut S, Viau A, Souville M, Verger P. Different reporting patterns for occupational diseases among physicians: a study of French general practitioners, pulmonologists and rheumatologists. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2010; 83:251-8. [PMID: 19730876 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-009-0457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Physicians can play an important role in the reporting of occupational diseases (ODs), which are still under-reported in many countries. We aimed to identify physicians' difficulties in recognizing and reporting ODs and to study the characteristics of the physicians that do report ODs. METHODS We conducted a telephone study in 2006-2007 among general practitioners (GPs), pulmonologists and rheumatologists in south-eastern France, concerning their knowledge, attitudes and practice in occupational health. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were performed to study factors associated with the issue of medical certificates for the claim process. RESULTS Three hundred and ninety-one GPs, 95 pulmonologists and 96 rheumatologists participated. GPs reported significantly less often than specialists that they questioned their patients on past occupational exposure. They more frequently reported difficulties in identifying the occupational origin of diseases, and lack of knowledge on the OD reporting system. Issue of medical certificates for OD reporting was significantly more frequent among specialists than among GPs, among physicians considering that ODs are a public health problem, among those acquainted with the forms required to establish certificates, using internet to obtain information, having trade union activities, or having contact with occupational physicians (OPs). CONCLUSION Initial and continuing training should be developed to encourage physicians, in particular GPs, to question patients on their working conditions and to become better acquainted with claim procedures. Physicians should also be provided with tools for identification of ODs that are suited to their practices, and collaboration with OPs should be fostered.
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