1666a Overview on sentinel and alert systems in occupational medicine. (24th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bakusic, Jelena; Lenderink, Annet; Vandenbroeck, Sofie; Lambreghts, Charlotte; Verbeek, Jos; Curti, Stefania; Mattioli, Stefano; Godderis, Lode
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 75(2018)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A374
• Page End: A375
• Publication Date: 2018-04-24
• Subjects: sentinel and alert approaches -- new and emerging -- work-related diseases; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-ICOHabstracts.1072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Changes in working conditions give rise to new occupational health risks and work-related diseases (WRDs). Monitoring these new WRDs is essential for their early recognition and prevention and requires a comprehensive approach, using several complementary methods. The aim of this review is to provide an overview and basic typology of different approaches to detect new/emerging WRDs. Methods: We conducted an extensive scientific literature search combining terms for the following three concepts: surveillance/reporting systems; occupational/work–related diseases; and new or emerging risks. In addition, a grey literature search was performed of both grey literature databases and relevant EU and research institute websites for additional resources. Results: We identified a total of 75 surveillance systems from 26 different countries. We set up a basic typology of these systems dividing them into four main groups. Compensation-based systems (n=22) were designed to gather data for compensation purposes and are insurance-driven. Non-compensation-related systems (n=34) were created with the aim of improving the collection and analysis of data to measure trends in occupational and work-related diseases. Sentinel systems (n=12) were specifically designed to provide a warning signal that will initiate health interventions and preventive actions. Finally, public health surveillance systems (n=7) aim to monitor the health of the general population, but can also be used for work-related surveillance. These four main types further differed in terms of disease coverage, means of data collection, evaluation of work-relatedness, follow-up of new/emerging risks, link with prevention etc. Conclusion: Sentinel systems seem to have the most suitable approach to detect and alert to new/emerging WRDs. Nevertheless, systems identified in the other three groups can also contribute to identifying new/emerging WRDs, despite being primarily designed for other purposes.