From risk-based health surveillance to health promotion: an evidence-based experience in a health care setting.

ABSTRACT

In the European countries the health surveillance may be provided as a part of the national health system intervention. In Italy, the legislative Decree (626/94) makes the health surveillance compulsory for all those workers who are exposed to occupational risks. The aim of this study was to describe the introduction of preventive and protective measures, according to the new regulations, in the teaching hospital of the University of Modena. The population examined in 2000 included 1523 workers. Specific health surveillance protocols were prepared on the grounds of the risk characteristics based on the scientific evidence and on the risk perception. The intervention was oriented towards health promotion. The subjects were classified into 10 groups according to the risk characteristics. The percentage of workers ranged from 4% to 42%, depending on the exposure-related health changes. Moreover, the study explored some of the health surveillance benefits an improvement in worker's satisfaction, an improvement in relationship between stakeholders, an early detection of health changes and a sickness absence reduction after the influenza vaccination program.