Information cure for sickness absence, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 18 Jan 2005 - 16:00 PDT

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New survey results released today (18.01.05) indicate that employers who give their workers more health information may see a decrease in sickness absence with nearly two thirds of people (64%) agreeing that if they had more information about managing common ailments they would be less likely to take time off work.

Nearly half (45%) of people would like to receive information directly from their employer to help them manage common health problems (such as headaches or indigestion). This also extends to information on wellbeing with 55% of people agreeing that advice from work about healthy lunchtime eating and getting active at lunchtime would encourage them to improve their health.

DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships is today (18.01.05) launching the 'Better health at home and at work' campaign to encourage people to look after their health, at home and at work by providing information on how to manage many common health problems plus wellbeing advice.

Commenting on the campaign, DPP spokesman and author of the campaign's supporting booklet Dr Ian Banks says: "Despite the fact that many employers have significant problems with sickness absence most people (95%) agree that having regular work is good for your mental and physical health.

Information is key to supporting this ethos so when problems do arise people will have the confidence to manage their problem or seek advice from the appropriate service - this is good news for GP services too with the majority (71%) of people agreeing if they had more information about how to manage common ailments they would be less likely to visit their GP.

"A little information can go a long way and should be a priority for employers if they are to realise the positive impact this will have on the health of their work force."

Supporting the campaign, Dr Susan Robson, Chairman of the BMA Occupational Health Committee says: " Workplace settings are ideal for health promotion and this research clearly demonstrates the demand for this. Providing health education resources such as the DPP's 'Better health at home and at work' booklet through occupational health departments and workplace settings sends a positive message to employees that they are valued, whilst having the potential to reduce time off work with sickness absence and reducing consultations with health professionals for minor ailments. Employers should seize opportunities to actively promote the health of their employees. "

DPP have joined forces with Peugeot-Citroen to roll out a new health education resource service to promote health at work. Over 6000 employees will be receiving health toolkits containing the 'Better health at home and at work' booklet in a bid to promote the better health and wellbeing of their work force.

Ends

Notes to editors

-- ICM Research surveyed 1116 adults aged 18+ in either full time or part time employment between 14th - 19th December 2004 using a nationally representative telephone omnibus survey. Data was weighted to bring it in line with national profiles.

-- Additional Statistic: More than one in ten people (13%) would stay home from work if they had a cold.

-- The 'Better health at home and at work' self-care booklet will be available through DPP member primary care organisations. For more information visit http;//www.dpp.org.uk.

-- DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (formerly Doctor Patient Partnership) is a health education charity working with primary care organisations and the public to make the most of health services and help people manage their health by improving health knowledge and communication.

Contact: DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships;pprentice@bma.org.uk or Marianne Mcglynn 020 7383 6828 mmcglynn@bma.org.uk

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