Family Practice Advance Access originally published online on February 14, 2005
Family Practice 2005 22(2):197-204; doi:10.1093/fampra/cmh727
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Work-related disease in general practice: a systematic review
a Department of Public and Occupational Health, Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, b Body@Work, Research Center Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO VUmc, Amsterdam, and c TNO Work and Employment, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
Correspondence to AJ van der Beek, phD, Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Email: a.vanderbeek{at}vumc.nl
Objectives. The objective was to answer the following questions: What is the prevalence of potentially work-related diseases in the general practice population? What is the incidence of consulting a GP for a potentially work-related disease? What is the relationship between diseases seen in general practice and work ability?
Methods. Cochrane standards and QUOROM principals were used. For this systematic review the available literature was identified in a computerized search of the bibliographical databases Medline, Embase and Osh-rom. A total of 22 publications (24 studies) met the inclusion criteria.
Results. In the general practice population high prevalence rates of potentially work-related diseases were found for low back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain. Incidence rates of consulting a GP for a potentially work-related disease were high also. Musculoskeletal disorders were the main reasons for work-related consultations in general practice. Work-related diseases can affect work ability.
Conclusions. Work-related diseases are common, given the high incidence and prevalence of potentially work-related diseases found in the general practice population and seen by the GP. This review underlines the important role of GPs in identifying and managing work-related diseases. GPs should consider the work factor and pay special attention to the effects of work on health, because patients often link their work with their illness.
Keywords. General practice, incidence, prevalence, work ability, work-related diseases.
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