NICE public health guidance update

This article highlights recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It highlights the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and then provides a spotlight on workplace health in the context of long-term sickness absence and capability to work. It discusses some of the actions that need to be taken by a range of stakeholders in order to implement NICE guidance in this area and aid employees in ensuring good workplace health. The NICE guidance on workplace health, discussed in this article, predates the current pandemic. Comment is made specifically on fitness for work assessments, where the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a range of unique clinical challenges.

Diabetes, hyperglycemia and its role in fitness for work

Introduction: Diabetes is a prevalent disease in our country and in the world. Hyperglycemia complications can impact on ability to work. Decision making about fitness for work in diabetic patients is important and complicated. The aim of this study was assessment scientific evidence and present suitable approach for fitness for work in diabetic patients. Methods: In this review article the last evidence from Scopus, Science Direct, Pub Med, Google Scholar, SID and Magiran Data Base was evaluated and different aspects of fitness for work in hyperglycemia of diabetics of diabetic patients was analyzed. Results: Assessment of personal risk and diabetic patient abilities in comparison with inherent requirements of the job is important in decision making about fitness for work. Most of these patients can work and have acceptable efficacy and safety in most of the jobs. Conclusion: In most of job situations, with support of the employer and job environment modifications, diabetic patients can work with acceptable efficacy and safety.

Comparing face-to-face with online training for occupational therapists in advising on fitness for work: Protocol for the CREATE study

Introduction Occupational therapists play a key role in advising on fitness for work; however, there is a concern that they lack knowledge and confidence in using the Allied Health Professions health and work report (formerly the Allied Health Professions advisory fitness for work report), developed in the United Kingdom. Comparing a reusable learning object with face-to-face training for occupational therapists in advising on fitness for work (CREATE) compares face-to-face training with online training for occupational therapists in completing the Allied Health Professions health and work report. Method A mixed methods study. Phase 1, occupational therapists will co-design an online training resource. A standardised face-to-face group-based training session will also be developed based on the same content. Phase 2, a feasibility study will be conducted. Thirty occupational therapists will either attend face-to-face group training or access the online resource. Data on self-reported knowledge and confidence in using the Allied Health Professions health and work report will be collected at baseline, 1 week and 8 weeks post-training. Feedback on the training will be collected by interview and, for the online resource, using an online tool. Results Quantitative results will be predominantly analysed descriptively. If appropriate, between-group responses will be compared using the Mann–Whitney test. Qualitative findings will be analysed thematically. Conclusion CREATE will have made a significant contribution to the debate around appropriate training methods in advising on fitness for work.