Developing Occupational Health and Safety Curriculum for Educational Enhancement for Family Medicine Residents

Occupational diseases continue to be under-recognized and/or under-reported. The current model in the US is to provide occupational health services through professionals, individuals with graduate or residency training in occupational health. However, this model is unable to meet the demand. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends guidelines for Occupational Medicine competencies for Family Medicine Residency (FMR) training but does not provide a standard curriculum for providing these competencies. Four case-based modules were developed that cover the following topic areas: 1) Occupational history and other OHS resources for prevention and treatment of occupational illnesses and injuries; 2) Managing return to work; and 3) Recognition of occupational diseases (includes three segments on occupational lung diseases, occupational skin diseases and low back pain). Community-medicine curriculum coordinators at two Chicago-area FMR programs collaborated to pilot the modules among residents and faculty to receive feedback on the format, content, and style of delivery of the modules. Modules were delivered multiple times. All residents at both sites (n=60) and at least 2 faculty members participated at each site. Any feedback received was used to improve delivery. Modules were well received at both sites, with 98-100% residents rating the modules as “very useful” each time. Case studies incorporated into the modules were specially appreciated, and all residents wanted these modules in the residency curriculum. These initial data support feasibility of implementing the curriculum in FMR programs and a wider dissemination study.