Relationship between health and productivity management and health-related attributes in Japanese medical institutions: an ecological study

Abstract

Objective: To clarify the relationship between the implementation of health and productivity management (H&PM) and staff health-related attributes in Japanese hospitals. Method: This study selected 2,000 hospitals from the FY2021 Bed Function Report data and conducted a questionnaire survey from November to December 2023. The questionnaire enquired about the H&PM implementation status, which was the explanatory variable; and health-related attributes, which was the objective variable. The implementation status of the four items and the presence or absence of Excellent H&PM Corporation certification were used to divide the hospitals into three groups: certification, implementation, and non-implementation groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted with H&PM implementation status and health-related attributes as the variables. Results: Data from 221 hospitals were analyzed. There were 25 hospitals in the certification group, 68 in the implementation group, and 128 in the non-implementation group. Logistic regression used average monthly physician overtime as the outcome, with non-implementation hospitals as the reference. Results showed significant positive associations for the implementation and certification groups. Clear written policies on H&PM promotion and full-time occupational health staff were also significantly associated. However, health issue understanding, plan formulation, and management training were not linked to physician overtime. Other health-related attributes were also unrelated to H&PM implementation status. Conclusion: Hospitals engaging in H&PM may provide an appropriate working environment for physicians.