Improved quality and more attractive work by applying EBM in disability evaluations: a qualitative survey.

Background: The uptake of evidence in practice by physicians, even if they are trained in the systematic method of evidence-based medicine (EBM), remains difficult to improve. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions and experiences of physicians doing disability evaluations regarding motivators and preconditions for the implementation of EBM in daily practice.

Methods: This qualitative study was nested in a cluster randomized controlled trial (Trial registration NTR1767; 20-apr-2009) evaluating the effects of training in EBM.

A search strategy to identify studies on the prognosis of work disability: a diagnostic test framework.

Objective: Searching the medical literature for evidence on prognosis is an important aspect of evidence-based disability evaluation. To facilitate this, we aimed to develop and evaluate a comprehensive and efficient search strategy in PubMed, to be used by either researchers or practitioners and that will identify articles on the prognosis of work disability.

Methods: We used a diagnostic test analytic framework.

Filaggrin loss-of-function mutations and atopic dermatitis as risk factors for hand eczema in apprentice nurses: part II of a prospective cohort study.

Background/objectives: Environmental exposure and personal susceptibility both contribute to the development of hand eczema. In this study, we investigated the effect of loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG), atopic dermatitis and wet work exposure on the development of hand eczema in apprentice nurses.

Methods: Dutch apprentice nurses were genotyped for the four most common FLG mutations; atopic dermatitis and hand eczema history were assessed by questionnaire.

Wet work and hand eczema in apprentice nurses; part I of a prospective cohort study.

Background /objectives: Environmental exposure and personal susceptibility both contribute to the development of hand eczema. Here, we report an investigation on wet work exposure and its influence on the risk of developing hand eczema in apprentice nurses.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed among 721 Dutch apprentice nurses.

The mental vitality @ work study: effectiveness of a mental module for workers' health surveillance for nurses and allied health care professionals on their help-seeking behavior.

Objectives: To study the effectiveness of a mental module for workers' health surveillance for health care workers.

Methods: Nurses and allied health care professionals from one organization were cluster-randomized at ward level to an intervention or control group. The intervention included screening for work functioning impairments and mental health complaints.

A clinically integrated post-graduate training programme in evidence-based medicine versus 'no intervention' for improving disability evaluations: a cluster randomised clinical trial.

Background: Although several studies have shown that teaching EBM is effective in improving knowledge, at present, there is no convincing evidence that teaching EBM also changes professional behaviour in practice. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a clinically integrated post-graduate training programme in EBM on evidence-based disability evaluation.

Methods And Findings: In a cluster randomised controlled trial, fifty-four case-based learning groups consisting of 132 physicians and 1680 patients were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups.

Return to work perceptions and actual return to work in workers with common mental disorders.

Introduction: Return to work (RTW) perceptions have been found to predict actual RTW of workers with common mental disorders. This study aims to (1) assess the relative value of RTW self-efficacy (RTW-SE) and RTW expectation in predicting actual RTW and (2) explore the role of mental health symptoms, work characteristics and their interaction as determinants of these RTW perceptions at baseline and over time.

Methods: Workers (N = 179) with common mental disorders were included at the start of their sick leave and followed-up at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

The Coping with Attention and Memory Complaints Questionnaire (CAMQ): psychometric evaluation of an instrument in suspected chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy (CSE).

Long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents may induce chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy (CSE), leading to neuropsychological impairments. We developed the Coping with Attention and Memory Complaints Questionnaire (CAMQ), an instrument for the assessment of coping strategies in patients suspected of CSE with neuropsychological complaints. Items for the CAMQ were based on existing coping dimensions and constructed by experts.

Interpretability of change in the Nurses Work Functioning Questionnaire: minimal important change and smallest detectable change.

Objectives: The present study evaluates the interpretability of individual changes and assesses the minimal important change (MIC) for improvement and the smallest detectable change (SDC) of the Nurses Work Functioning Questionnaire (NWFQ).

Study Design And Setting: Data of two time points, baseline and 3-month follow-up, of a randomized controlled trial were used. A total of 358 nurses and allied health professionals of one Dutch academic medical center participated at both measurement points.

Effectiveness of an exposure-based return-to-work program for workers on sick leave due to common mental disorders: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: In case of long-term sick leave, gradually increasing workload appears to be an effective component of work-directed interventions to reduce sick leave due to common mental disorders (CMD). CMD are defined as stress-related, adjustment, anxiety, or depressive disorders. We developed an exposure-based return-to-work (RTW-E) intervention and evaluated the effect on time-to-full return to work (RTW) among workers who were on sick leave due to CMD in comparison to those treated with care-as-usual (CAU).

Decision rules for assessment of chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy: Results in 2370 patients.

For the diagnosis of patients suspected of chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy (CSE), it would be helpful if the applied cognitive tests show a characteristic profile of impairment in this disease. We investigated the existence of such a profile. In 1997-2006 two expert teams in The Netherlands systematically examined 2370 patients referred for evaluation of suspected CSE.

Comparing the use of an online expert health network against common information sources to answer health questions.

Background: Many workers have questions about occupational safety and health (OSH). It is unknown whether workers are able to find correct, evidence-based answers to OSH questions when they use common information sources, such as websites, or whether they would benefit from using an easily accessible, free-of-charge online network of OSH experts providing advice.

Objective: To assess the rate of correct, evidence-based answers to OSH questions in a group of workers who used an online network of OSH experts (intervention group) compared with a group of workers who used common information sources (control group).

Revealing barriers and facilitators to use a new genetic test: comparison of three user involvement methods.

We compared three common user involvement methods in revealing barriers and facilitators from intended users that might influence their use of a new genetic test. The study was part of the development of a new genetic test on the susceptibility to hand eczema for nurses. Eighty student nurses participated in five focus groups (n = 33), 15 interviews (n = 15) or questionnaires (n = 32).

An online expert network for high quality information on occupational safety and health: cross-sectional study of user satisfaction and impact.

Background: Many people have difficulties finding information on health questions, including occupational safety and health (OSH) issues. One solution to alleviate these difficulties could be to offer questioners free-of-charge, online access to a network of OSH experts who provide tailored, high-quality information. The aim of this study was to assess whether network quality, respectively information quality, as perceived by the questioners, is associated with questioners' overall satisfaction and to explore the impact of the information received on questioners' knowledge, work and work functioning.

Can online networks provide quality answers to questions about occupational safety and health?

Objectives: To assess whether experts can provide high-quality answers to occupational safety and health (OSH) questions in online Question & Answer (Q&A) networks.

Methods: The authors evaluated the quality of answers provided by qualified experts in two Dutch online networks: ArboAntwoord and the Helpdesk of the Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases. A random sample of 594 answers was independently evaluated by two raters using nine answer quality criteria.

Psychometric properties of the Nurses Work Functioning Questionnaire (NWFQ).

Objectives: The Nurses Work Functioning Questionnaire (NWFQ) is a 50-item self-report questionnaire specifically developed for nurses and allied health professionals. Its seven subscales measure impairments in the work functioning due to common mental disorders. Aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the NWFQ, by assessing reproducibility and construct validity.

Do Dutch workers seek and find information on occupational safety and health?

Background: Currently, little is known about workers' occupational safety and health (OSH) information-seeking behavior.

Methods: We assessed whether Dutch workers have (OSH) questions, what motivates them to seek information or advice to solve these questions, and whether workers actually find the information they are looking for. A random sample of 888 workers from a large business panel were sent an online questionnaire.

A knowledge infrastructure for occupational safety and health.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals should use scientific evidence to support their decisions in policy and practice. Although examples from practice show that progress has been made in evidence-based decision making, there is a challenge to improve and extend the facilities that support knowledge translation in practice. A knowledge infrastructure that supports OSH practice should include scientific research, systematic reviews, practice guidelines, and other tools for professionals such as well accessible virtual libraries and databases providing knowledge, quality tools, and good learning materials.

Review on the validity of self-report to assess work-related diseases.

Purpose: Self-report is an efficient and accepted means of assessing population characteristics, risk factors, and diseases. Little is known on the validity of self-reported work-related illness as an indicator of the presence of a work-related disease. This study reviews the evidence on (1) the validity of workers' self-reported illness and (2) on the validity of workers' self-assessed work relatedness of an illness.

Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with chronic solvent induced encephalopathy (CSE).

Introduction: Long term occupational exposure to organic solvents may induce chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy (CSE), characterized by mild to severe cognitive impairment, generally seen as the key diagnostic feature. Psychiatric disorders are often diagnosed in subjects with CSE, but were never studied in more detail. This study was designed to establish the prevalence rates of DSM IV mood, anxiety, and alcohol and substance related disorders in patients with CSE.

Facilitating job retention for chronically ill employees: perspectives of line managers and human resource managers.

Background: Chronic diseases are a leading contributor to work disability and job loss in Europe. Recent EU policies aim to improve job retention among chronically ill employees. Disability and occupational health researchers argue that this requires a coordinated and pro-active approach at the workplace by occupational health professionals, line managers (LMs) and human resource managers (HRM).

The Mental Vitality @ Work study: design of a randomized controlled trial on the effect of a workers' health surveillance mental module for nurses and allied health professionals.

Background: Employees in health care service are at high risk for developing mental health complaints. The effects of mental health complaints on work can have serious consequences for the quality of care provided by these workers. To help health service workers remain healthy and productive, preventive actions are necessary.

Effect of job maintenance training program for employees with chronic disease - a randomized controlled trial on self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and fatigue.

Objective: Employees with a chronic physical condition may be hampered in job performance due to physical or cognitive limitations, pain, fatigue, psychosocial barriers, or because medical treatment interferes with work. This study investigates the effect of a group-training program aimed at job maintenance. Essential elements of the program are exploration of work-related problems, communication at the workplace, and the development and implementation of solutions.

An online network tool for quality information to answer questions about occupational safety and health: usability and applicability.

Background: Common information facilities do not always provide the quality information needed to answer questions on health or health-related issues, such as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) matters. Barriers may be the accessibility, quantity and readability of information. Online Question & Answer (Q&A) network tools, which link questioners directly to experts can overcome some of these barriers.