Cooperation between occupational health staff and psychiatrists in supporting workers with mental health disorders in Japan

Introduction
Mental health disorders are an important cause of sick leave and long-term work disability in Japan. It is necessary for occupational health staff to cooperate with the psychiatrist in charge to support workers with mental health disorders.

Methods
We conducted a survey of medical practitioners and hospital doctors who specialize in psychiatry to clarify the present situation of the cooperation between in-plant occupational health staff and psychiatrists in charge. The questionnaire included the frequency of visits and references from occupational health staff, supervisors and directors of personnel affairs, the disclosure of information about patients to them, the value of the information from the workplace as concerns diagnosis, the treatment of workers, etc.

Results
Three hundred and twenty seven responses (57 medical practitioners, 270 hospital doctors) were returned. The rates of disclosure of information about expected period of sick leave and the performance of specific jobs were lower than the disclosure about workers’ condition and treatment methods. The information about a trial work system, the possibility of workload reduction, and habitual words and deeds of the workers was highly helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of the workers.

Discussion
The results suggest the importance and necessity of cooperation between occupational health staff and psychiatrists in supporting workers with mental health disorders. Mutual understanding about their situations and specialization should be promoted through exchanges of information.