Using digital and social media to highlight the risks of occupational exposures as a cause of lung diseases

Abstract

The risks to lung health from workplace exposures are generally poorly recognised. Such exposures are often overlooked when assessing respiratory diseases. Aims: To produce an online tool that allowed members of the public to assess whether their occupation may pose a risk to their lung health. Methods: ERS and ELF held a workshop involving occupational health experts, policymakers and patients. A key outcome was to produce an evidence based digital tool. This was developed in an industry-specific quiz format, enquiring about the link between respiratory symptoms and work. Where applicable, it directs the participant talk to a healthcare professional. The English-language version of the tool was reviewed by multiple European stakeholders, including a steering group of healthcare professionals, the ELF Patient and Professional Advisory Committees, the UK Health and Safety Executive HLP and national focal points from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Results: In its first 2 months, 8,278 people used the tool. The associated paid-for Facebook advertising campaign was successful, being linked with 80% of visits. 50% of users were from Ireland, 43% from the UK. 78% of users accessed this using a mobile phone, 16% with a tablet and 6% used a computer. Conclusions: The tool is a useful resource to educate at-risk populations about occupational respiratory disease. We communicated with at risk groups using their favoured physical or digital spaces. Members of the public engaged with this health topic, and organically spread the messaging to their networks. ELF will continually evaluate the tool and work with EU-OSHA national focal points to further translate and localise it.