Search

Copyright of Zentralblatt fuer Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed at identifying scientific and practical competencies, communication skills, evaluation and ability to work among the graduates of sports rehabilitation in the faculty of sports sciences at Mu'tah University, and the differences in competencies according to the variables of gender and academic estimation. The study sample consisted of (81) male and female graduates, with (42) males (51.9%) and (39) females (48.1%). The study used the descriptive approach due to its compatibility to the study nature, and the questionnaire was used as the study instrument for data collection. The study instrument consisted of (4) domains (scientific and practical competencies, communication skills, evaluation, ability to work), where each domain included (6) items. The study data were analyzed by using (SPSS), where the means, standard deviations, t-test, one-way Anova, and least significant difference were used. The results revealed that the degree of having competencies in general was medium and for all the questionnaire's domains. The results revealed that there are no differences between males and females in the level of having competencies and for all the questionnaire's domains. As for the variable of academic estimation, the results revealed that there are statistically significant differences between the categories of academic estimation, where the differences were in favor of the higher academic estimate. Based on the results, the study recommended the necessity of urging the principals in the department of sports rehabilitation to cope with the new developments in their domain and update the academic plan in order to increase the focus on the courses related to health sciences, such as functional anatomy and physiology, in addition to enhancing students to participate in the projects of scientific research within their specialties, especially as the university assigns several scholarships supported by the ministry of higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: After getting treated for colorectal cancer, many people feel fatigue, stress, and pain and face other challenges that can make daily activities and work tough. Our research explored how these issues group together and if they are connected to fatigue and difficulties in work. We gathered data from the MIRANDA study, where patients shared their experiences after colorectal cancer treatment before the start of the rehabilitation and three months after. Using data from their questionnaire responses, we identified six main problem groups: fatigue, digestive troubles, pain, feelings of stress or anxiety, urinary issues, and side effects from chemotherapy. Our findings reveal that experiencing even a single symptom from these categories can be a precursor to feeling more fatigued or having a decreased ability to work. Our findings shed light on colorectal cancer survivors' various challenges and how they might impact their daily lives and work. In colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, apart from fatigue, psychological and physical symptoms often converge, affecting their quality of life and ability to work. Our objective was to ascertain symptom clusters within a year following CRC treatment and their longitudinal association with persistent fatigue and reduced work ability at the 3-month follow-up. We used data from MIRANDA, a multicenter cohort study enrolling adult CRC patients who are starting a 3-week in-patient rehabilitation within a year post-curative CRC treatment. Participants completed questionnaires evaluating symptoms at the start of rehabilitation (baseline) and after three months. We performed an exploratory factor analysis to analyze the clustering of symptoms at baseline. Longitudinal analysis was performed using a multivariable linear regression model with dichotomized symptoms at baseline as independent variables, and the change in fatigue and ability to work from baseline to 3-month-follow-up as separate outcomes, adjusted for covariates. We identified six symptom clusters: fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, pain, psychosocial symptoms, urinary symptoms, and chemotherapy side effects. At least one symptom from each factor was associated with higher fatigue or reduced ability to work at the 3-month follow-up. This study highlights the interplay of multiple symptoms in influencing fatigue and work ability among CRC patients post-rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plan for the application of preventive measures against occurrence and spread of infectious diseases is valid for all workplaces and in the work environment of the organization and is implemented in order to prevent epidemics of infectious diseases and eliminate risks to safe and healthy work of employees. The aim of this paper was to point out the importance of the existence of a plan for the implementation of preventive measures against occurrence of infectious diseases and the role of the occupational medicine service in the implementation of this plan. The results of the paper present the experiences in the implementation of preventive measures in the event of an epidemic of infectious diseases caused by the coronavirus and the method of treatment of patients with this disease. The views and activities of the occupational medicine service in the case of work ability assessment in persons after a previous illness and declaring the disease caused by the coronavirus an occupational disease were presented. It was concluded that it is extremely important to act according to the established plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The satisfaction of property users with facilities and property management has been found to be affected, amongst others, by building features. However, we argue that the importance of building features for user satisfaction varies across user concerns about their ability to work and health & safety. We hypothesise that building comfort increases in importance for the satisfaction of users with ability to work concerns, compared to those without these concerns. Additionally, building cleanliness is of higher importance to users with health & safety concerns than those without. In our empirical analysis, we use a sample of 1,895 respondents from a multi-year survey (2015–2019) and employ mixed-effects regression. Our results are in line with expectations and suggest a moderating effect of user concerns on the relations of building features and user satisfaction. We also find a consistent impact of user expectations on their satisfaction. Our findings are relevant to property and facilities managers as they suggest that accounting for user concerns allows a more differentiate understanding of user satisfaction, which may be particularly important following the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients often experience fatigue, poor ability to work, and low quality of life (QoL) after therapy. We conducted a prospective study of 147 CRC patients who underwent a three-week in-patient rehabilitation clinic visit in Germany. Patients completed questionnaires at the start of rehabilitation and at regular 3-month intervals for up to a year. We found a strong correlation between fatigue and QoL, and moderate correlations between fatigue and the ability to work, as well as between QoL and the ability to work. Fatigue, QoL, and ability to work improved significantly from the start of rehabilitation to the three-month follow-up, and there was little change afterward in the first year after rehabilitation. In summary, fatigue, QoL, and the ability to work were highly interconnected in CRC patients, and all of them improved from the start of rehabilitation to the 3-month follow-up. Cancer-related fatigue, low quality of life (QoL), and low ability to work are highly prevalent among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after tumor surgery. We aimed to analyze their intercorrelations and trajectories in the first year after in-patient rehabilitation in the German multicenter MIRANDA cohort study. Recruitment is ongoing, and we included the first 147 CRC patients in this analysis. Participants filled out questionnaires at the beginning of in-patient rehabilitation (baseline) and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the baseline. The EORTC-QLQ-C30-General-Health-Status (GHS)/QoL, the FACIT-F-Fatigue Scale, and the FACIT-F-FWB-ability-to-work items were used to evaluate QoL, fatigue, and ability to work, respectively. The fatigue and QoL scales were highly correlated (r = 0.606). A moderate correlation was observed between the fatigue and ability to work scales (r = 0.487) and between the QoL and ability to work scales (r = 0.455). Compared to the baseline, a statistically significant improvement in the QoL, ability to work, and fatigue scales were observed at the 3-month follow-up (Wilcoxson signed rank test, all p < 0.0001). The three scales plateaued afterward until the 12-month follow-up. In conclusion, fatigue, QoL, and ability to work were highly interrelated, improved quickly during/after in-patient rehabilitation, and did not change much afterward in German CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that often leads to premature incapacity for work. Therefore, the MSnetWork project implements a new form of care and pursues the goal of maintaining or even improving the state of health of MS patients and having a positive influence on their ability to work as well as their participation in social life. A network of neurologists, occupational health and rehabilitation physicians, psychologists, and social insurance suppliers provide patients with targeted services that have not previously been part of standard care. According to the patient's needs treatment options will be identified and initiated. Methods: The MSnetWork study is designed as a multicenter randomized controlled trial, with two parallel groups (randomization at the patient level with 1:1 allocation ratio, planned N = 950, duration of study participation 24 months). After 12 months, the patients in the control group will also receive the interventions. The primary outcome is the number of sick leave days. Secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life, physical, affective and cognitive status, fatigue, costs of incapacity to work, treatment costs, out-of-pocket costs, self-efficacy, and patient satisfaction with therapy. Intervention effects are analyzed by a parallel-group comparison between the intervention and the control group. Furthermore, the long-term effects within the intervention group will be observed and a pre-post comparison of the control group, before and after receiving the intervention in MSnetWork, will be performed. Discussion: Due to the multiple approaches to patient-centered, multidisciplinary MS care, MSnetWork can be considered a complex intervention. The study design and linkage of comprehensive, patient-specific primary and secondary data in an outpatient setting enable the evaluation of this complex intervention, both on a qualitative and quantitative level. The basic assumption is a positive effect on the prevention or reduction of incapacity for work as well as on the patients' quality of life. If the project proves to be a success, MSnetWork could be adapted for the treatment of other chronic diseases with an impact on the ability to work and quality of life. Trial registration: The trial MSnetWork has been retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) since 08.07.2022 with the ID DRKS00025451. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this prospective follow‐up study, we aimed to examine whether changes in self‐reported sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep medication use are temporally associated with changes in quality of life and work ability in municipal employees when several confounding factors are considered. The study was conducted in Finland among 637 municipal employees (88% women, mean [SD] age 48 [10] years) in 2014 and 2015. Information about the participants was collected by self‐administered questionnaire and from medical history. Predicting variables were changes in self‐reported sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep medication use. Outcome variables were changes in the EUROHIS‐QOL eight‐item index and the Work Ability Score. Improved or unchanged sleep quality compared to worse sleep quality were associated with a preferable change in quality of life (both p < 0.001). No change in sleep duration compared to a decrease and no change in sleep medication use compared to increased use were also associated with favourable changes in quality of life. Increased use of sleep medication was associated with a decline in work ability, and the change in Work Ability Score also differed significantly between improved and worsened sleep quality. In this study, changes in sleep were widely associated with changes in quality of life and work ability of municipal employees. Programmes aiming for better sleep health would probably be beneficial both from a health‐oriented and an economical point of view. Special attention should be paid to employees with a need for sleep medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection have significantly impacted the affected people's quality of life and professional activity. Neurological manifestations may be present from the onset of infection but also in the course of the disease. The most common neurological symptoms are headache, anosmia/hyposmia, ageusia/dysgeusia, and myalgia. The studies also mention severe complications such as stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, meningitis, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, acute transverse myelitis, convulsions, and movement disorders, as the infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems. SARS-CoV-2 can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, increasing the mortality rate in patients with advanced disease. The potential risk of inducing Parkinson's disease has also been suggested, with the virus penetrating the brain where it can trigger cellular processes involved in neurodegeneration. We present you with the case of a nurse in the medical field, without comorbidities, who developed Parkinson's disease after infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between the onset of Parkinson's disease and viral infection may be possible, but the mechanisms by which it affects the nervous system and the involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis of these manifestations are still under study. The progression of the disease, functional status, and ability to work can have a negative impact on professional activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work can have a major positive impact on health and wellbeing. Employment of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) of working age is much lower than in the general population. The first aim of this study was to examine the impact of a preemptive kidney transplantation (PKT) on employment, in addition to other possible influencing factors. The second aim was to explore differences in work ability, absenteeism and work performance among employed KTR with different types of transplantations. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 in nine Dutch hospitals. PKT as potential predictor of employment was examined. Furthermore, work ability, absenteeism and loss of work performance were compared between employed preemptive recipients with a living donor (L‐PKT) and non‐preemptive recipients with a living donor (L‐nPKT) and with a deceased donor (D‐nPKT). Results: Two hundred and twenty four KTR participated; 71% reported having paid work. Paid work was more common among PKT recipients (82% vs. 65% in L‐nPKT and 55% in D‐nPKT) and recipients who were younger (OR.950, 95%CI.913–.989), had no comorbidities (1 comorbidity: OR.397, 95%CI.167–.942; 2 comorbidities: OR.347, 95%CI.142–.844), had less fatigue (OR.974, 95%CI.962–.987) and had mentally demanding work tasks (only in comparison with physically demanding tasks, OR.342, 95%CI.145–.806). If recipients were employed, D‐nPKT recipients worked fewer hours (mean 24.6±11.3 vs. PKT 31.1±9.6, L‐nPKT 30.1±9.5) and D‐nPKT and L‐nPKT recipients received more often supplemental disability benefits (32 and 33.3%, respectively) compared to PKT recipients (9.9%). No differences were found for self‐reported ability to work, sick leave (absenteeism) and loss of work performance with the exception of limitations in functioning at work. Conclusions: Preemptive kidney transplantation recipients with a kidney from a living donor are employed more often, work more hours per week (only in comparison with D‐nPKT) and have a partial disability benefit less often than nPKT recipients. More knowledge regarding treatments supporting sustainable participation in the labor force is needed as work has a positive impact on recipients' health and wellbeing and is also beneficial for society as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with medical examination of employee’s ability to work. Although from a legislative-technical point of view, this regulation is considered to be successful, in practice it causes major problems in the area of assessment care, which is evidenced in particular by the case law. Referencing to practice, we can state that the idea of the occupational health services provider as professional assistant of the employer in providing for the protection of employees’ occupational health has not taken hold at all. Employers justifiably ask why they should pay for a medical report giving them no legal certainty. Employers, on the other hand, want to pay for services that give them a solid basis for further action against employees. From the analysed regulations, it is clear that the issue of health assessment and medical reports remains in some respects still gaping, both in terms of the nature of the medical report and in terms of accepting the lack of work capacity of providers of occupational health services.

BACKGROUND: Sickness absence, disability pensions, and use of healthcare due to disabling back pain are a high economic burden in Germany. Assessment are needed to identify employees who are likely to need intensive support. OBJECTIVE: The cohort study examined whether rehabilitation, disability pensions and death can be predicted by a simple self-reported rating of work ability in employees with back pain in Germany. METHODS: Employees aged 45 to 59 years who reported back pain in the last 3 months completed the Work Ability Score in 2017 (0–10 points). Individual scores were categorized into poor (0–5 points), moderate (6–7) and at least good (8–10) work ability. Outcomes were extracted from administrative records covering the period until the end of 2018. Proportional hazard models were fitted to determine the prognostic benefit of the Work Ability Score. RESULTS: Data for 6,917 participants were included (57.8% women). The median follow-up time was 20 months. Of the participants, 52.1% had a good or excellent, 27.7% a moderate, and 20.2% a poor Work Ability Score. During follow-up, 548 persons were granted rehabilitation measures, 57 persons disability pensions, and 23 died. Fully adjusted analyses showed an increased risk of a rehabilitation measure (hazard ratio = 2.65; 95% CI 2.11; 3.34) and a disability pension (HR = 4.12; 95% CI 2.02; 8.39) in employees with poor work ability. A premature death was not associated with poor work ability. CONCLUSIONS: The Work Ability Score is a potential tool to identify individuals, reporting back pain, with an increased risk of health-related early retirement and work disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norio Sugawara,1,* Norio Yasui-Furukori,1,* Toshinaga Tsuji,2 Shinji Hayashi,2 Yoshikazu Ajisawa,3 Toshimitsu Ochiai,3 Hideyuki Imagawa,4 Kazutaka Shimoda1 1Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan; 2Medical Affairs Department, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan; 3Biostatistics Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan; 4Medicines Development Unit Japan, Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Kobe, Japan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Norio SugawaraDepartment of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Shimotsugagun, Tochigi 321-0293, JapanTel +81-28-287-2153Fax +81-28-286-5187Email nsuga3@dokkyomed.ac.jpPurpose: The objective of this post hoc analysis was to explore the relationship, including changes over time, between baseline clinical symptom characteristics and working ability, judged by investigators, after 12 weeks of antidepressant monotherapy in Japanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and painful physical symptoms (PPS) in a real-world clinical setting.Patients and Methods: This prospective, observational study in patients treated with duloxetine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was conducted from 2014 to 2016. Both treatment groups were pooled and divided into 2 groups, “working ability recovered” or “working ability not recovered,” based on working ability at the end of the study. Patients were also divided into 4 subgroups by the presence or absence of previous depressive episodes and working ability. Main outcome measures included baseline demographics and clinical characteristics, and the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D17).Results: Comparison between “working ability recovered” (n=122) and “working ability not recovered” (n=91) showed that the percentage of patients with complications and psychotherapy at baseline, and baseline HAM-D17 total, insomnia, somatic, and anxiety scores, were significantly different. The results of subgroup analyses were mostly the same as the results analyzed by working ability alone. Although statistical differences were observed for some outcome measures, the differences at baseline, except use of psychotherapy, may not be applicable clinically, and there were no specific trends observed that could predict working ability.Conclusion: This post hoc analysis suggested that most baseline clinical characteristics, including the presence or absence of previous depressive episodes, were not predictive of working ability recovery. However, the use of psychotherapy in parallel with antidepressant monotherapy may be positively associated with working ability recovery. All outcome measures improved over time, reinforcing the importance of continuous treatment and observation to improve and accurately judge working ability in patients with MDD and PPS.Keywords: ability to work, antidepressants, depressive disorder, major, observational study, painful physical symptoms

Copyright of Clinical Neuroscience / Ideggyógyászati Szemle is the property of LifeTime Media Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: A hot topic of the discussions about the reforming of the Territory Expert Medical Commission system (TEMC) is the restoration process of peoples’ health and ability to work. The expert decision, given by TEMC offers an opportunity for social adaptation for disabled people, whilst restoring their ability to work, all by using the methods and resources of rehabilitation. The aim of the article is to study and analyze the opinion of disabled people on the role of the expert's decision by TEMC to restore employability. Material and Methods: The study’s sample was prepared on the basis of the register of General Territory Expert Medical Commission in the Hospital "St. Marina" - Varna. The determination of the population includes preinspection of the register of General TEMC at University Hospital "St. Marina" - Varna and the Regional Card-index of Medical Expertise (RCME), Varna and covers 6000 patients with disability. A representative sample was formed on the basis of selection criteria and included 612 PD subject to certification and re-certification of General Territory Expert Medical Commission at University Hospital "St. Marina" - Varna for the period March-April 2018, which represents 10.25% of the population. Amongst the methods of the survey is a questionnaire, consisting of 15 questions in total (13 multiple-choice questions and 2 free-answer questions. The questions are organized in five domains: "organizational-methodical" (questions 2,6 and 7), "social" (questions 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11), "medical" (questions 1 and 4), "juridical" (questions 10, 12 and 13) and "opportunities for change" (questions 14 and 15). Standardized α-Crownbach 0.65. Results: Only 4.4% (n=612) of the people with disability, determined by TEMC-decision, think that rehabilitation that aims to restore their ability to work is enough. Those of them (81.9% (n=209)) who’ve been deprived of their percent for Permanently Diminished Working Capacity, report that they are not following the route of rehabilitation. The patients give different offers: a work recommendation must be included in the TEMC-decision (the type of labour must be synchronized with the given disability); the committee must influence the clinical and social rehabilitation that aims the restoration of temporary or permanent disability. Conclusions: The TEMC-decision does not help with the achievement of a prophylactic and rehabilitation function of the TEMC nor the restoration of the ability to work. There must be put an emphasis on a few subjects during the reforming process of the TEMC-system, such as the activities regarding the restoration of work capacity, a prequalification according to the disability and a work recommendation.

The training of students majoring in "medical assistant", "nurse" and "medicine" is one of the most responsible and is associated with great mental and physical stress. Various factors affect students during their studies and one of them is psycho-emotional stress, which is significantly manifested in clinical practice. In their course of study, students must acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the relevant specialty, but must also be familiar with the mechanisms of action of stress and be trained to recognize it to deal with it at an early stage. Specialized training for stress is not included in the curricula of students, and it would be one of the main and decisive methods for prevention of mental and physical consequences of stress in the workplace afterward. The study showed that students should be aware of workplace stress, which affects their psycho-emotional state and ability to work. Awareness is essential for the smooth performance of their future work as medical professionals, because the work of medical professionals is directly related to patients, their relatives, and colleagues, and these interpersonal relationships often affect the psycho-emotional state and ability to work.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and workability are related parameters to measure success of therapy. Both have been insufficiently explored in patients after liver transplantation (LT). Particularly little is known about patients' attitude to return to work, employment status before LT, and how frequently there is any employment at any time after LT. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study including 150 adult outpatients after LT. Liver transplantations had been performed between 1993 and 2018. The study was carried out from February to July 2018. The exclusion criteria were combined transplantations, positive screening for current alcohol abuse, and anxiety or depression. To evaluate HrQoL and fitness to work, the patients were tested using the Short Form 36, the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire, and the Work Ability Index. Key results: The return rate of sufficiently filled-in questionnaires was 46.8% (66 patients). The mean age of patients was 59.9 years (SD=10.8), ranging from 25 to 78 years old. HrQoL was partly comparable to the normal population. Workability sum scores with a mean value of 31.61 (SD 9.79) suggested moderate workability at present. While only 28.8% of respondents were ever employed after LT, 45.5% currently wished to work or would have wished to work. Conclusions: HRQL seems to be partly similar to population data, and subjective workability seems to be moderate in patients after LT. Despite a positive attitude to return to work in almost half of respondents, a lower rate of actual return to work was found in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjective evaluation of psychiatric patients is less accurate and more variable than the average in the general population and, thus, it is important to discuss the relationship between subjective and objective ability. However, few studies have explored differences between psychiatric patients’ subjective ability and objective cognitive test performance. We gathered a sample of consecutive (unselected) patients referred for psychiatric assessment of work ability at Helsinki University Hospital. Subjective resilience was measured with Wagnild’s 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14) and objective ability with Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). As a whole, the patients estimated their resilience to be low. Patients diagnosed with depressive disorder or bipolar disorder estimated their resilience significantly lower than the other psychiatric group. Yet with neuropsychological tests there was no difference between groups. Resilience correlated positively with the work ability recommendations given at the end of the assessment period. When resilience increased, the probability of belonging to the group that was able to work was significantly higher compared to the groups that were totally or partially unable to work. The result remained the same even if education was taken into account.

Workers’ medical prophylactic examinations referred to in the Labor Code are one of the tasks of the occupational medicine services. They are regulated by law which has been in force for more than 20 years in unchanged form. During this period, new harmful, burdensome or dangerous to health factors appeared in the workplaces, for which no preventive health check-up standard was defined. In the meantime, the health criteria for drivers and persons applying for driving licenses have also been significantly liberalized. The above changes, the authors' own experience, comments and problems reported by physicians who provide workers’ prophylactic health care and employers as well as analysis of literature related to workers’ health care in other countries have created the need to harmonize and update guidelines on health requirements for selected types of work. In addition the scope and frequency of prophylactic examinations for exposures, which are not included in applicable legal acts, has been developed. Med Pr. 2019;70(1):125–37

This paper constitutes a continuation of the critical analysis of legal aspects of psychological examinations in some group of workers. In this part the appeal procedure, documentation, costs of examinations and supervision are discussed. The analysis has shown many deficiencies in regulations related to all aspects of psychological examinations. They arise from incoherence of legal regulations and the lack of regulations of some questions. This legal standing is restricted to occupational work and adversely affects the quality of supplied services. Therefore acts of law and regulations relevant to psychological examinations for the purpose of fitness-to-work certification need necessary adjustments. According to authors it is desirable to end the legal procedure amending the act of law on a profession of psychology and the self-government of psychologists, as well as to develop and implement executive regulations. Med Pr 2018;69(6):673–684

ObjectivesIndividuals suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) often report workplace-related stress as the major cause of their disorder. Accordingly, workplace-related stress was established as a fifth psychosocial problem area of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (workplace-related Interpersonal Psychotherapy, W-IPT). The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of W-IPT on depressive symptoms and on workplace-related issues in individuals with MDD compared to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) condition.MethodsA total of 27 individuals with MDD (mean age = 43 years, 48% males) were randomly assigned either to eight weekly group sessions of W-IPT or to the TAU condition. At baseline, 8 weeks later at the end of the intervention, and 20 weeks later at follow-up, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was conducted. In addition, the participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Work Ability Index (WAI), the Return to Work Attitude (RTW-SE), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).ResultsSymptoms of depression in experts' ratings as well as in self-rated ratings decreased over time, but more so in the W-IPT condition compared to the TAU condition [experts rating: large effect size (d = 1.25) and self-assessment: large effect sizes (d = 0.94)]. The subjective ability to work (WAI) [medium effect size (d = 0.68)], self-efficacy to returning to work RTW-SE [medium effect size (d = 0.57)], and subjective symptoms of insomnia (ISI) [large effect size (d = 1.15)] increased over time, but again more so in the W-IPT condition compared to the TAU condition. The effects of the intervention remained stable from the end of the intervention to follow-up.ConclusionsThe pattern of results of this pilot study suggests that a newly established fifth IPT focus on workplace-related stress appeared to be particularly efficient in individuals with MDD due to work-related stress in reducing depressive symptoms and reducing sleep complaints as well as in improving occupational outcomes.

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading causes of sick leave, especially among women, in Western countries. The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with work ability and well-being, respectively, among women on sick leave due to long-term pain in the neck/shoulders and/or back. Methods A cross-sectional study with a correlational design was conducted on women who were sick-listed due to long-term pain in the neck/shoulders and/or back. A total of 208 participants responded to a survey comprising eight instruments: Multidimensional Pain Inventory scale, General Self-Efficacy scale, Sense of Coherence scale, Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Work Ability Index and Life Satisfaction questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with work ability and well-being, respectively. Results Women who more strongly believed they would return to the same work had greater work ability (β = 0.39, p

Copyright of Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Subacromial impingement is one of the most common reasons for shoulder pain. The surgical management of this condition has recently become the focus of criticism because of the rising number of surgical procedures and the lack of superiority of surgical over conservative treatment. In this prospective comparative study, we compared standardised conservative care with surgical treatment and placed special emphasis on the patients’ ability to work. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 106 patients (25 women, 81 men; mean age: 45.4 ± 12.3 years) were included in this prospective comparative clinical study. Patients in the non-operative arm (n = 42) received standardised physiotherapy. Patients in the surgical arm (n = 38) underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression. All patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Shoulder function (Constant score), pain (Numerical Rating Scale), and the duration of inability to work were assessed. RESULTS Shoulder function and pain improved significantly with both kinds of treatment. At no time of follow up we detected significant differences between the two treatment options. An analysis of the patients’ ability to work showed that conservative treatment was superior to surgical treatment at 3-month follow-up (0.3 versus 5.0 weeks; p < 0.001) and between 4 and 6-month after intervention (0.2 versus 1.6 weeks; p = 0.032). DISCUSSION In the study presented here, significant improvements in function (Constant score) and pain (NRS) were achieved in both the non-operative and the surgical arm. There were no significant differences between the two groups at any time point. These results are similar to those reported by other authors in recent studies. Unlike other research work, however, our study demonstrated a major difference in the development and duration of inability to work. CONCLUSIONS Conservative and surgical treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome led to similar outcomes for shoulder pain and function at 3, 6 and 12 months after intervention. However, patients who were managed conservatively returned to work significantly earlier than patients who underwent surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Individuals suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) often report workplace-related stress as the major cause of their disorder. Accordingly, workplace-related stress was established as a fifth psychosocial problem area of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (workplace-related Interpersonal Psychotherapy, W-IPT). The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of W-IPT on depressive symptoms and on workplace-related issues in individuals with MDD compared to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) condition. Methods: A total of 27 individuals with MDD (mean age = 43 years, 48% males) were randomly assigned either to eight weekly group sessions of W-IPT or to the TAU condition. At baseline, 8 weeks later at the end of the intervention, and 20 weeks later at follow-up, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was conducted. In addition, the participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Work Ability Index (WAI), the Return to Work Attitude (RTW-SE), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results: Symptoms of depression in experts' ratings as well as in self-rated ratings decreased over time, but more so in the W-IPT condition compared to the TAU condition [experts rating: large effect size (d = 1.25) and self-assessment: large effect sizes (d = 0.94)]. The subjective ability to work (WAI) [medium effect size (d = 0.68)], self-efficacy to returning to work RTW-SE [medium effect size (d = 0.57)], and subjective symptoms of insomnia (ISI) [large effect size (d = 1.15)] increased over time, but again more so in the W-IPT condition compared to the TAU condition. The effects of the intervention remained stable from the end of the intervention to follow-up. Conclusions: The pattern of results of this pilot study suggests that a newly established fifth IPT focus on workplace-related stress appeared to be particularly efficient in individuals with MDD due to work-related stress in reducing depressive symptoms and reducing sleep complaints as well as in improving occupational outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to find out the association of relevant factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among ovarian cancer patients and their ability to work. Analyzed data were prospectively collected on 123 ovarian cancer patients enrolled across multiple oncology practices in Slovakia. We examined knowledge about the disease, negative perceptions related to health care, ability to work and social and economic ranking. HRQOL measurements included quality of life based on a numeric scale (1-worst, 10-best) and selected aspects from QoL-Ov28 questionnaire. We have used non-parametric Friedman and Dunne pairwise comparison tests to detect differences in HRQOL and the ability to work. Spearman correlation was used to measure the strength of association between variables. With hindsight, patients identified first signs of disease 3.6 months prior to diagnosis, with median duration of disease being 3.1 years. HRQOL was significantly different at various points during cancer journey; between current state and at diagnosis (4.19), between current state and at time without cancer or at time in full health (8.94, 9.52 respectively). Similarly, significant differences were noted in patients' current work ability (WA) compared to WA at diagnosis, or at time without cancer or in full health (4.2, 9.07, 9.58). The highest correlation of HRQOL was found in relation to current ability to work (r = 0.87) and in impact of cancer treatment (r = 0.66). Medium correlation was noted with visits to oncology clinics, knowledge about cancer, salary, future expectations or perceived quality of life of relatives (r < 0.51). Low correlation (r < 0.3) was found with other aspects related to healthcare (nursing care, general practitioner appointments) or demographics (age, number of children) and others. Patients were willing to pay monthly for curative treatment €191.84 from an average monthly salary €470.84 (41%). Ovarian cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on HRQOL and WA and both are positively highly correlated. Ovarian cancer patients are willing to give significant share of their monthly salary for treatment leading to cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to find out the association of relevant factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among ovarian cancer patients and their ability to work. Analyzed data were prospectively collected on 123 ovarian cancer patients enrolled across multiple oncology practices in Slovakia. We examined knowledge about disease, negative perceptions related to health care, ability to work and social and economic ranking. HRQOL measurements included quality of life based on numeric scale (1-worst, 10-best) and selected aspects from QoL-Ov28 questionnaire. We have used non-parametric Friedman and Dunne pairwise comparison tests to detect differences in HRQOL and ability to work. Spearman correlation was used to measure the strength of association between variables. With hindsight, patients identified first signs of disease 3.6 months prior to diagnosis, with median duration of disease being 3.1 years. HRQOL was significantly different at various points during cancer journey; between current state and at diagnosis (4.19), between current state and at time without cancer or at time in full health (8.94, 9.52 respectively). Similarly, significant differences were noted in patients' current work ability (WA) compared to WA at diagnosis, or at time without cancer or in full health (4.2, 9.07, 9.58). Highest correlation of HRQOL was found in relation to current ability to work (r = 0.87) and in impact of cancer treatment (r=0.66). Medium correlation was noted with visits to oncology clinics, knowledge about cancer, salary, future expectations or perceived quality of life of relatives (r < 0.51). Low correlation (r < 0.3) was found with other aspects related to healthcare (nursing care, general practitioner appointments) or demographics (age, number of children) and others. Patients were willing to pay monthly for curative treatment €191.84 at average monthly salary €470.84 (41%). Ovarian cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on HRQOL and WA and both are positively highly correlated. Ovarian cancer patients are willing to give significant share of their monthly salary for treatment leading to cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physical activity is a key factor contributing to the improvement and maintenance of one’s general health. Although this issue is by no means limited to the workplace, it is precisely the work environment that can provide the basis for keeping and reinforcing more health-conscious attitudes and lifestyles, including programs promoting a physical activity. The paper presents an analysis of the literature on the effectiveness of physical activity intervention at the workplace. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the physical activity programs on musculoskeletal disorders, absenteeism, work ability, physical capacity and body weight of the participants. Given a marginal extent of programs of this kind in Poland, the authors’ intention was to show the benefits resulting from implementation of and participation in such initiatives. Med Pr 2017;68(2):277–301

The lecture discusses methods of ensuring hemodynamic and neurohormonal unloading of the heart, current recommendations for the prevention of exacerbations of coronary heart disease in patients with myocardial infarction or unstable angina episode. Narrow organizational, diagnostic and therapeutic tasks that need to be addressed at the stage of hospital treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Substantiates the principle of modular construction of individual rehabilitation programs, discussed methodological procedures of obtaining and analyzing the information necessary for the individualization of rehabilitation programs, as well as methods of physical, mental rehabilitation and disability assessment of patients after myocardial infarction.

Background: Assessment of the health state of people sentenced to the penalty of restriction of liberty makes up a significant percentage of cases annually elaborated in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The analysis of such cases was accomplished to point out the difficulties that expert physicians could encounter in formulating their opinions. Material and Methods: The analysis involved 1051 medico-legal opinions issued in the years 2004–2013, considering the health state of people performing the duty of free, controlled social labor. The authors collected data on age, sex, type of diseases and the ability to control social work of convicted subjects. Results: Among those sentenced to the penalty of restriction of liberty the men aged 51–60 were in the majority. Individuals able to work only in specified conditions were the most numerous group (56.3%). People able to work in all conditions were the smallest set (9.5%). Light work was the type of work most frequently recommended to the persons able to work only in specific conditions (58.4%). The largest group of diseases comprised spondylopathies and osteoarthropathies (51.4%). It was followed by the group of cardiac diseases and angiopathies, including hypertension (38.7%). Conclusions: The number of cases concerning the ability of the sentenced persons to serve the penalty of restriction of liberty annually elaborated in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences and the number of sentences imposed on the national scale indicate that medical experts may be obliged to provide opinions of this kind. Assessment of the health state of people sentenced to the penalty of restriction of liberty in some cases can be a difficult task for the expert physicians because of frequent lack of information about a specific type of work performed by the sentenced persons having only the data about their diseases. Med Pr 2016;67(6):765–775

Purpose Participation in regular paid jobs positively affects mental and physical health of all people, including people with limited work capacities (LWC), people that are limited in their work capacity as a consequence of their disability, such as chronic mental illness, psychological or developmental disorder. For successful participation, a good fit between on one hand persons' capacities and on the other hand well-suited individual support and a suitable work environment is necessary in order to meet the demands of work. However, to date there is a striking paucity of validated measures that indicate the capability to work of people with LWC and that outline directions for support that facilitate the fit. Goal of the present study was therefore to develop such an instrument. Specifically, we adjusted measures of mental ability, conscientiousness, self-efficacy, and coping by simplifying the language level of these measures to make the scales accessible for people with low literacy. In order to validate these adjusted self-report and observer measures we conducted two studies, using multi-source, longitudinal data. Method Study 1 was a longitudinal multi-source study in which the newly developed instrument was administered twice to people with LWC and their significant other. We statistically tested the psychometric properties with respect to dimensionality and reliability. In Study 2, we collected new multi-source data and conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results Studies yielded a congruous factor structure in both samples, internally consistent measures with adequate content validity of scales and subscales, and high test-retest reliability. The CFA confirmed the factorial validity of the scales. Conclusion The adjusted self-report and the observer scales of mental ability, conscientiousness, self-efficacy, and coping are reliable measures that are well-suited to assess the work capability of people with LWC. Further research is needed to examine criterion-related validity with respect to the work demands such as work-behaviour and task performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]