Analysis of motivation for acting subjects in diagnostics of occupational diseases

Introduction. There is a shallow detection rate of occupational diseases in Russia. A large number of acting subjects are usually involved in the diagnosis of diseases. There is considered the current cooperation between the acting subjects responsible for diagnostics of occupational diseases in various modes.

Material and methods. A search was conducted for data that described the main trends concerning conflict of interest in occupational health. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted on issues related to the diagnosis of occupational diseases of specialists working in various branches of this field of medicine.

Results. The author performed the analysis of existing conflicts of interest in acting subjects in the detection and diagnosis of occupational diseases and established the most significant acting subjects. Among them the most pronounced conflicts of interest were shown to be determined by employers (as institutions, and specific managers and doctors performing examinations of workers in harmful conditions, and the managing stuff of these medical institutions, as well as by the employees themselves, who are subject to these examinations. When analyzing the motivation of acting subjects, the primary and financial interest was shown to have less significance than the secondary one. Mutual connectivity in the implementation of secondary interests adjudicates a persistent configuration, which determines both the low detection rate of occupational diseases, including at early stages, and lack of opportunities for prolonging professional longevity. The existence of a conflict of interest is not evil in itself. Still, its resolution is always associated with obtaining benefits, including the entire country’s level (saving the lives of the working population).

Conclusion. To increase staff lifespan and work longevity through the analysis of all acting subjects, it is necessary to improve managing decisions to achieve the predominant primary interests. The study of the conflicts of interest can be an effective method of understanding and improving the health system in occupational health to preserve public health and increase the working population’s longevity.