First published in 1997, the guidelines provide evidence-based, peer reviewed recommendations for care, written by physicians and reviewed by a wide-range of medical specialty organizations. The guidelines were developed to improve the efficiency and specificity of medical diagnosis of workplace-related injuries and diseases, enhance the effectiveness of treatment, and help occupational and environmental medicine physicians and other health care professionals manage growing caseloads.
"The fact that such a wide-cross section of physicians use the guidelines indicates how important workplace health and safety has become in our society," said ACOEM Executive Director Barry S. Eisenberg.
The 516-page publication includes chapters on prevention of injuries and disease; assessment, medical examinations and diagnosis; the relationship of injury or disease to workplace circumstances; pain management and restoration of function; and more detailed analysis of specific conditions ranging from back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome. The guidelines also include detailed information about mental health and stress-related illnesses, as well as a completely updated chapter on eye injuries in the workplace.
The "Occupational Medicine Practice Guidelines: Evaluation and Management of Common Health Problems and Functional Recovery in Workers," 2nd Edition, can be ordered by calling OEM Press at (800) 533-8046, or by visiting their web site at www.oempress.com.