Occupational Health Clinic Network - Newsletter

Occupational Medicine Clinical Practice Reviews now Online

A series of clinical practice reviews developed by the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network was published in the January 2000 issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (Vol. 37, No. 1). This issue is now available online through a link on the New York State Department of Health's web site at www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/workplace/clinic_network.htm.

The special issue, titled "The Diagnosis and Treatment of Occupational Diseases: Integrating Clinical Practice with Prevention", includes peer-reviewed articles developed by Network clinicians as part of the Network's Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Program. The reviews address both clinical and preventive aspects of disease management, and emphasize the identification and prevention of disease among at-risk populations.

The reviews were written by Network clinicians to meet three objectives: (1) To develop clear statements addressing critical issues in the diagnosis and management of common occupational diseases for Network use; (2) To use evidence based approaches as a tool to foster quality care and consistent practice within the Network; and (3) To integrate public health prevention methods into the clinical model and emphasize a team approach to the diagnosis and treatment of work-related disorders.

The NYS Occupational Health Clinic Network is a publicly funded, statewide, public health-based occupational disease treatment and prevention service. The Network includes seven regionally based occupational health clinics and a clinic devoted to agricultural health issues located in Cooperstown.

For more information about the Clinic Network or the clinical practice reviews, contact Kitty Gelberg or Susan Dorward at 518-402-7900 or 1-800-458-1158.

Topics Covered in the January 2000 issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine

INTRODUCTION

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Occupational Diseases: Integrating Clinical Practice with Prevention

REVIEWS

Medical Examination for Asbestos-Related Disease

Clinical Evaluation and Management of Lead-Exposed Construction Workers

The Diagnosis and Management of Solvent-Related Disorders

Clinical Evaluation and Management of Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Evaluation and Management of Chronic Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Distal Upper Extremity

Evaluation and Management of Occupational Low Back Disorders

Occupational Hearing Loss

Clinical Evaluation, Management, and Prevention of Work-Related Asthma

Medical Evaluation for Respirator Use