Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health Physicians – Training Needs and Teaching Experiences

Introduction
Training in Occupational Health for physicians usually focuses on the “real medical” side of Occupational Health: diseases, treatment, surveillance, fitness-for-work. Competencies for successful practical work in a company and for risk-control (Industrial Hygiene, IH) are usually not taught. However, they are needed in a company and requested by workers. Online programs such as the global "International Certificate in Occupational Health Practice" (IPOHP) at UIC, an online education for nurses and doctors in developing countries, can fill this training gap.

Methods
The IPOHP teaches specifically “Industrial Hygiene”-Competencies such as qualitative and semi-quantitative risk assessments, workplace and ergonomic assessments, risk reduction & control technologies e.g. control banding. We evaluated personal learning impact assessments over two years in the IPOHP with 46 participants worldwide from 23 countries. Participants assessed themselves and their competencies BEFORE and AFTER the training modules.

Results
The 46 participants worldwide came from 23 countries: Asia 32%, Africa 20%, Latin & Central Americas 34%, USA & Europe 12% with 37% from companies, 32% from government or semi-governmental organizations. Nurse participation is very low (17%) vs. doctors (64%). Learning impact is highest in typical IH-Competencies such as “Using Assessment Tools”, “Assessing Chemical Risks” or “Assessing Exposures” with an average impact of a 4-point difference on a 10-point LIKERT-scale for self-assessment. Feedback indicates good acceptance, high impact and technical difficulties. Participants apply new skills after training for workplace inspections, worker education, scientific projects and presentations.

Discussion
Doctors seem to have a specific deficit in Industrial Hygiene competencies. Here, they show the highest learning impact after training. Feedback shows that doctors appreciate the new IH competencies that improve their practical skills and facilitate collaboration with other OH colleagues. In training programs for medical personnel in OH topics and competencies in IH need to be included to prepare doctors for practical work in companies.