Application of the occupational health services model in Thai primary care units.

Abstract

This study explored the elements of the occupational health services model in Thai primary care units. Seven focus groups with nurses and public health professionals working in primary care units, employees, employers, and occupational health service-related authorities were conducted. Content analysis of the focus groups revealed 15 practical elements in five domains: system inputs, throughputs, services, outputs, and feedback. Examples of existing elements in the five domains were occupational health staff competencies (inputs), collaborative network building (throughputs), on-site occupational health services (services), number of activities performed as on-site occupational health services (outputs), and evaluation (feedback) of occupational health services delivery. The findings have implications for further development of the occupational health services model in Thai primary care units, such as training the staff of primary care units to become competent in delivering effective occupational health services.