Determinants for timely identification of health effects by exposure to hazardous substances

Background

Identification of health effects caused by hazardous substances requires close collaboration between occupational hygienists and occupational physicians. However, this translation and collaboration is insufficient in Dutch occupational healthcare settings.

Objectives

We aimed to gain insight into the determinants of timely identification of health effects caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace as perceived by occupational health professionals.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews among seventeen Dutch occupational hygienists and occupational physicians on their perspectives and experiences in identifying substance-related health effects in the workplace. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data were analysed using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model.

Results

Occupational hygienists and occupational physicians experience limited knowledge, skills and self-efficacy for timely identification of substance-related health effects. These modifiable determinants hinder effective collaboration between these occupational health professionals in translating exposure to hazardous substances into health effects and vice versa. Moreover, different determinants on the system level in the Netherlands further impede this collaboration. Existing tools for occupational health professionals reinforce this gap by supporting either exposure assessment or health effect evaluation, rarely bridging the two. As a result, current tools are often tailored to a single profession.

Conclusions

The results from our study suggest that gaps in knowledge, skills and self-efficacy hinder timely identification of substance-related health effects. The findings of this study can inform the development of multidisciplinary interventions and multifaceted strategies aimed at improving prevention of substance-related occupational disease and timely implementation of appropriate (workplace) measures.

Key messages

• Occupational hygienists and occupational physicians often have limited knowledge, skills and self-efficacy in translating exposure to hazardous substances into health effects, and vice versa.

• Current collaboration between occupational hygienists and occupational physicians is limited, but both recognise the need for improvement and are intrinsically motivated to do so.