Ss42-03 Evidence-Informed Decision-Making in Occupational Health and Safety – Results From a Doctoral Thesis

Abstract Introduction Decisions to (de-)implement occupational safety and health (OSH) interventions are not always supported by the available scientific evidence. Answers are needed on how to support evidence-informed decision-making in OSH. Materials and Methods Analysis of the quality of evidence in the OSH field by 1) conducting two Cochrane systematic reviews of randomized and non-randomized studies, and 2) analyzing the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 18 OSH journals after 2010. Analysis was based on GRADE, ROB, ROB-2, and CONSORT. Investigation of evidence-informed OSH decision-making, both from a population and individual perspective by 1) applying the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework for policy decisions regarding return-to-work coordination efforts, and 2) developing and evaluating the feasibility of a decision aid for healthcare workers on the use of double gloves to prevent needle-stick injuries. Studies were conducted in Finland and included survey, interview, register, and document data. Results Most intervention studies provide moderate to very low-certainty evidence. Most trials do not fulfil reporting standards (CONSORT) which negatively impacts the risk of bias assessments, and thus the quality of the evidence. The EtD framework for policy makers and a decision-aid for workers supported a systematic and transparent approach to decision-making that is informed by the best available evidence for all relevant decision-making criteria, such as effectiveness, costs, and personal values. Conclusions Good quality evidence is available but rare. Knowledge translation tools, such as the EtD framework or a decision aid, enable the transparent and systematic use of the best available evidence.