Despite nearly equal use of occupational health services by men and women during the review period, there were noticeable differences in the reasons for visits and how different age groups utilized these services.

Age and Gender Disparities in Service Use

The study found that occupational health services were most frequently used by people aged 40–49 for doctors and nurses, while those aged 50–59 were more likely to see nurses and physiotherapists. In contrast, psychologists tended to serve younger clients, primarily those aged 30–39. Interestingly, the client group for psychologists differed significantly from that of other professionals, with women making up 66% of their clientele and more than half of the psychologist service events involving highly educated individuals.

Psychological Services Focused on Preventive Care

Psychologists accounted for 3% of all occupational health service events, with most visits (77%) focused on counseling and guidance. "It appears that psychologists’ services are mainly used for preventive activities, such as supporting work ability and well-being in various stressful situations or conflicts," noted Sari Nissinen, Chief Specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Common Reasons for Occupational Health Visits

The most frequent reasons for visiting occupational health services during the study period were musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, followed by respiratory issues. The COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to respiratory diseases overtaking musculoskeletal disorders as the leading reason for visits in 2022. Other common reasons included mental health and behavioral disorders, eye and ear diseases, and injuries.

Rise of Remote Occupational Health Services

The study also identified a significant increase in the use of remote services, such as digital consultations and telehealth, over the review period. By 2022, remote services were as common as in-person visits, with a notable rise in remote service usage during weekends. "This shift towards remote services represents a long-term trend and offers new insights for healthcare research and service development," Nissinen added.

This comprehensive analysis, based on nearly 12 million service events and nearly 800,000 clients, provides crucial insights into how occupational health services are utilized across different demographics, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to healthcare delivery in the workplace.

HT