P-065 Survey of Occupational Physicians’ Opinions on Clinical Care Competencies Needed in Occupational Health Activities

Introduction Previous studies have reported that good clinical care and communication skills are important competencies for occupational physicians (OPs). However, it remains unclear to what extent OPs need to acquire these skills to adequately perform occupational health activities. This study aimed to identify the basic clinical skills considered necessary by OPs. Methods We administered a questionnaire to 1,811 members of the Expert Community of Occupational Health Physicians in the Japan Society for Occupational Health. The questionnaire used a four-point ranking method to assess the necessity of 14 items relevant to occupational health activities selected from the “Basic Clinical Capability Lists for Residency” specified in the Japanese Medical Practitioners Law. Results There were 219 valid responses (response rate 12.1%). The skill most frequently cited as “highly necessary” was “the ability to prepare and manage referrals” (89.0%), followed by “the ability to communicate in medical interviews” (88.5%), and “the ability to take patient medical history” (86.7%). First aid techniques such as compression hemostasis and chest compressions were also considered “highly necessary” by over 80% of respondents. Discussion Communication skills including documentation and taking a medical history were identified as the most necessary skills; OPs frequently use these skills when interviewing workers. The survey responses also indicated that even OPs who mainly work outside of hospitals believe they should be able to provide a certain level of first aid. Conclusion OPs consider communication skills and first aid techniques to be highly necessary in performing their occupational health activities.