O-037 MENTAL HEALTH SKILLS AMONG MEDICAL SPECIALIST PHYSICIAN TRAINEES AND TRAINERS IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN FINLAND

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Abstract Introduction Mental health problems are increasing in occupational health (OH) service visits, which might result from following transformations: 1) the loosening of the stigma related to mental health problems, 2) the changing character of employees and working life, and 3) decreasing medical dominance and increasing medicalization. We studied self-assessed mental health skills of specialist physician trainees and trainers in OH. Methods We conducted an online questionnaire among OH physician trainees and trainers in Finland during June to August 2022. We analyzed how OH physicians in specialist training programs assessed their own skills in mental health practice. We also analyzed the underlying assumptions about OH skills in general using an exploratory factor analysis. Results Among respondents (N=104), the trainer physicians replied more actively (N=58) than the trainees (N=42). Respondents’ perception of mental health skills was better among trainers than trainees. Individual mental health skills as work ability evaluation and return to work were more familiar than workplace level proactive processes. Discussion Self-assessed mental health skills of both trainees and trainers consisted of individual-based identification of illnesses, assessing risk of diseases and support of employees’ work ability. Based on our results, proactive measures between workplaces and OH services need more attention as a competence in mental health. Conclusion Typical OH approach based on the risk assessment of exposure isn’t enough to promote mental wellbeing at the workplace. OH services treats not only individuals, but the entire workplace. OH service must target services toward work life transformation, which requires new educational approaches and courses for OH physician curriculum.

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