Assessment of a specialized medicine consultation for pregnant workers: The users' perspective

Abstract

BackgroundOccupational exposures can endanger the health of pregnant workers and their unborn children. The Department of Occupational and Environmental Health of Unisanté has established a specialized occupational health consultation to assist pregnant workers, employers and gynecologists in implementing maternity protection provisions in the workplace.ObjectiveThe study aims to assess the satisfaction of the users of the consultation, describe their overall experience and identify the benefits and limitations of the consultation.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used. A telephone questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was administered to pregnant workers who had attended the consultation in 2021, as well as to their employers and gynecologists. Quantitative data on users' satisfaction were statistically analyzed using STATA 17, while responses to open-ended questions were thematically analyzed using MAXQDA20.ResultsAll users expressed high levels of satisfaction: 95% of pregnant workers, 88% of employers and 97% of gynecologists were satisfied with the consultation. Users highlighted the value of the consultation in providing insight into the legal framework and occupational risks, as well as the neutrality and support of occupational health physicians. However, they reported challenges in implementing recommended measures and ineffective monitoring of their application.ConclusionsThe study indicates that users are highly satisfied with the services provided by the consultation. It is recommended that these services be maintained and extended to other regions of Switzerland, with particular attention to pregnant women who do not have access to such services in their company.

Keywords: occupational exposure; occupational health; occupational health services; pregnant women; public health; women; working.