Clinical case complexity in occupational health: contributing factors and a proposed conceptual framework model

Lalloo, D., Gallagher, J., Macdonald, E. and McDonnell, C. (2021) Clinical case complexity in occupational health: contributing factors and a proposed conceptual framework model. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 63(6), e352-e361. (doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002215) (PMID:33950037)

Abstract

Objectives: Clinical case complexity is an inherent factor in occupational health (OH), yet it is poorly defined and understood. Our aim was to identify the multiple sources of complexity in OH and propose a conceptual complexity framework model for clinical OH practice. Methods: Through a scoping review, expert panel consensus, and content analysis of OH clinical case reports, we identified relevant complexity-contributing factors (CCFs) specifically tailored to the OH setting, which we defined and validated. Results: The proposed model consists of three primary domains (PDs); health factors, workplace factors and biopsychosocial factors. Twenty-seven CCFs are described and defined within these PDs. Conclusions: This work lays the foundation for improved understanding, identification, and assessment of complexity in OH. This is imperative for ensuring high quality clinical practice standards, identifying training needs and appropriate triaging/resource allocation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: MacDonald, Professor Ewan and Lalloo, Professor Drushca
• Authors: Lalloo, D., Gallagher, J., Macdonald, E., and McDonnell, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• ISSN: 1076-2752
• ISSN (Online): 1536-5948
• Published Online: 03 May 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 63(6): e352-361
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License