Sustainability and occupational health (3) Flashcards
Define sustainability
Able to continue over a period of time
In what 3 levels can sustainability be looked at?
- Global sustainability
- Sustainability of the NHS
- Personal and career sustainability
Give 6 factors of global sustainability
- Material inequality: world’s wealthy are getting richer whilst half of the world’s population live on less than £1.30 a day
- Population and consumption: the world’s population is growing so there is more need for space, energy, food and water
- Resource depletion: we are using up the earth’s extractable reserves of oil, gas and water
- Climate change: the world is getting warmer
- Loss of biodiversity: increased rate of animal extinction due to depletion of habitat areas
- Crisis in healthcare with ageing population and increase in obesity
How can sustainability of the NHS be improved
Prioritise environmental health eg
- Sub harmful chemicals with safer alternatives
- Reduce water consumptions
- Improve travel strategies
- Safely manage and dispose of pharmaceuticals
What is the purpose of the fit note?
To facilitate earlier discussion about returning to work and about rehabilitation (does not affect sick pay)
When is a fit note required?
If the patient has been off more than 7 consecutive days (including non working days)
Consequences of global warming
- Severe food shortages due to rising temperatures affecting crops
- Sea levels rising
What action could be taken to decrease global warming
- Increase use of renewable energy resources
- Be more active and more plant based
- Educate on carbon literacy and numeracy
- Promote patient resilience
Give some functions of OH
- Help prevent work related ill health
- Advise on fitness to work and the prevention of injuries in the workplace
- Provide rehabilitation to help people return to work
How is unemployment harmful to health?
- Poorer general health
- Long standing illnesses
- Poorer mental health
- Psychological distress
What is resilience?
Resilience is an emotional competence or a personality characteristic that deals with negative effects of stress and promotes adaptation.
• Resilience can also, however, be an acquired virtue or behaviour and requires continuous improvement.
What strengths underpin resilience?
- High frustration tolerance
- Self acceptance
- Self belief
- Humour
- Perspective
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
- Meaning
What behaviours support resilience?
- Building / having support networks – positive relationships
- Reflective ability
- Assertiveness
- Avoiding procrastination
- Developing goals – realistic plans and ability / motivation to follow them through
- Time management
- Work – life balance
What are the three sources of burnout?
- Personal
- Professional
- Systemic
