[Syncope and work: role of the occupational physician and global risk stratification]

G Ital Med Lav Ergon. 2011 Jul-Sep;33(3 Suppl):303-5.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Safety risk for subjects suffering from syncope while working has not been as yet addressed by occupational medicine. The present study was aimed at evaluating a new developed methodology for job tasks risk stratification in patients with syncope. During a work-shop on syncope and occupational risk, 149 occupational physicians (OP) with about 10 years of clinical experience were asked to fulfil a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) concerning the doctor's estimated potential damage (D) to the worker and the probability of a damage to occur (P) should syncope take place during the job task. Five job tasks characterized by different risk for safety (1, driving; 2, toxic products handling; 3, job performed closed to hot surfaces o free flames; 4, surgical activity; 5, office job) were identified. OP correctly stratified the risk associated to the different job tasks in patients with syncope. Unexpectedly, task #3 was given a risk similar to that obtained in drivers. This might be of paramount clinical and social importance when patients with syncope have to return to their job tasks.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Health*
  • Occupational Medicine*
  • Physician's Role*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Syncope* / prevention & control