Development of an Instrument for Evaluating the Implementation of Occupational Health Programmes in Hospitals

Abstract

Hospitals pose a high level of hazard and risks, particularly ones related to occupational health, whose overarching objective is to ensure both healthy workers and a healthy workplace, which can be achieved through effective risk management. This research aims to develop an assessment instrument tailored to hospital occupational safety and health units and their stakeholders across Indonesia to assess hospitals’ efforts to protect workers, with a focus on occupational health services programmes based on identified hazards. It is a qualitative exploratory study. Data collection was made through an in-depth literature review to identify occupational health risk factors in hospitals, focusing primarily on studies involving health risk assessment and/or reports of occupational disease or suspected cases of diseases. This was supported by in-depth interviews and field observations in three hospitals: a government hospital, a private hospital and a teaching hospital. The identified risk factors contributing to hospital workers’ mortality and morbidity were then analysed and formed into measurable indicators. These indicators serve as the basis for developing an instrument prototype to semi quantitatively assess the implementation of occupational health services in the hospitals. The prototype was developed by adapting and modifying the Hospital Safety and Health Management System Self-Assessment Questionnaire from OSHA and then subjected to validation through a 2-day FGD involving experts, practitioners, professional organisations, and other authorities in similar fields of study. The instrument consists of seven main sections; 53 statements with a maximum total score of 159; in addition to guidance. In conclusion, the instrument is a strategic tool that can be used by hospitals to improve the effectiveness of occupational health service implementation in a sustainable manner. Regulatory support, management commitment, and involvement of all elements in a hospital are the keys to realising a healthy, safe, productive workplace for the whole hospital community.