Survey of occupational health-related activities conducted at hospitals in the Kanto region (2020)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To survey occupational health-related activities conducted at hospitals certified by the Japan Council for Quality Health Care in the Kanto region of Japan. METHODS: The survey tool was sent to 470 hospitals and comprised the following items: hospital size, occupational health system, infection control practices, mental health services, promotion of work system reforms, and priorities in achieving occupational health. RESULTS: A total of 140 hospitals completed the survey. A monthly workplace inspection was conducted in approximately 60% of the hospitals. Testing of new employees for hepatitis and four other viruses was conducted in approximately 65% of the hospitals, and influenza vaccination was administered to the employees in all the hospitals. Most hospitals provided mental health services to their workers, which included consultation with an occupational physician. Work system reforms for changing conference time and task shifting or sharing were adopted in approximately 50% of the hospitals. Prevention of blood-borne pathogens, respiratory infections, and healthcare coverage for healthcare workers was identified as areas of improvement in several hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Legally required infection control and occupational health-related practices were conducted in most hospitals. Additionally, several hospitals undertook work system reforms, including the management of changes in conference time and task shifting or sharing.