Ergebnisse einer Expertenbefragung zur Umsetzung der ganzheitlichen arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorge in der betrieblichen Praxis

Abstract

Results of an expert survey on the implementation of holistic occupational preventive healthcare in company practice Objectives: The aim of the Ordinance on Preventive Occupational Medicine (ArbMedVV) is to detect and prevent work-related diseases at an early stage, to provide employees with individual advice and to support employers in matters of occupational health protection. The prevention potential of a holistic approach to occupational healthcare has been indicated for some time and is being further reinforced with a recent amendment to the ArbMedVV. The aim of this study was to obtain assessments of the implementation of holistic occupational healthcare (GAMV) based on expert interviews with occupational health and safety stakeholders. Methods: Eleven expert interviews were conducted and evaluated with fourteen representatives from the units of the Committee for Occupational Medicine (AfAMed) at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). The interview guide was based on the following model: On the one hand various factors influencing the implementation of the GAMV (e.g. legal and operational framework conditions) must be taken into account. With regard to the effects of the GAMV, a distinction must be made between expectations, the actual implementation observed, and the results achieved. In addition, derived aspects are to be considered. Results: It becomes clear that there are deficits in the (successful) implementation of the GAMV. Possible reasons include, for example, the legal framework, resource issues, structural and organizational aspects of occupational healthcare, and the motivation of and information acquired by those involved. Conclusions: The results indicate that the holistic approach to occupational healthcare formulated in the ArbMedVV requires increased awareness and implementation support. According to the experts, the new Occupational Medicine Rule (AMR 3.3) for the GAMV will be helpful. Keywords: occupational health care – holistic approach – ArbMedVV – expert survey