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Biomedical subjects

C R de Winter

Publications and source records attributed to C R de Winter.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Psychosocial factors at work and musculoskeletal disease.

The objective of this review is to establish whether the epidemiologic literature presents evidence of an association between psychosocial work factors and musculoskeletal disease. In a hypothetical model it is suggested that individual characteristics and stress symptoms can modify this relationship. The reviewed studies do not present conclusive evidence due to high correlations between psychosocial factors and physical load and to difficulties in measuring dependent and independent variables. Nevertheless, it is concluded that monotonous work, high perceived work load, and time pressure are related to musculoskeletal symptoms. The data also suggest that low control on the job and lack of social support by colleagues are positively associated with musculoskeletal disease. Perceived stress may be an intermediary in this process. In addition, stress symptoms are often associated with musculoskeletal disease, and some studies indicate that stress symptoms contribute to the development of this disease.

Back Pain↗

Quality and effectiveness of occupational health service evaluated by the providers.

In a debate on the desired occupational health service in The Netherlands all parties involved seemed to be rather unsatisfied with current practice. Therefore a study was set out on the quality of the service to 51 client organizations as seen by the parties involved. In the first phase the viewpoint of the occupational health teams was studied; the second phase among clients was planned later. As it was not feasible to use proper measures of effectiveness, i.e. of outcome in terms of health, the interview was used as method directed at the evaluations of the teams themselves. It focused on the adequacy of the activities of the teams in view of the health problems and risks in the client organization and on the necessary interaction with the clients in order to reach effective service. Although a self-evaluation-method like this has its limitations, results are relevant for the debate on the quality of OHS in The Netherlands. Many occupational health teams want more capacity for preventive activities and to devote more time to these activities to enhance the quality of their service and be more effective. It is argued that for the same purpose the teams themselves should strive for good relations with their clients.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗