INTEGRATING FAMILY PHYSICIANS INTO PRIMARY CARE, PROVIDED BY THE CENTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS OF STATE-OWNED INSURANCE COMPANY OF URUGUAY

BACKGROUND Every year, around 250 million people suffer occupational accidents and 160 million workers contract work-related diseases. Up to 24% of the mortality rate globally is attributed to avoidable environmental risks factors exposure. In Uruguay, since 2008, occupational accidents rates have reached record levels, showing a peak in 2011 with 54,023 accidents (37,387 in 2015). The state-owned Insurance Bank of the State (BSE) holds the monopoly of all work-related injuries and occupational diseases (Act 16.074) The Medical Service Center (CSM), accessible to all workers, is the health provider of the BSE, which is aimed at the promotion, protection, recovery and rehabilitation of their health. Historically, for organizational reasons, consultations that could be provided by primary care human resources have been performed by secondly and thirdly care resources. As a result, there was an increase in the number of waiting lists, referrals, and costs and length of treatment. OBJECTIVE Strengthen Primary Care at the CSM of the BSE through the incorporation of Family Physicians (FP), to promote the organization of interdisciplinary teams, health promotion and prevention of work-related injuries, and occupational diseases (since April 2013). RESULTS 1.- Integration of two FP within the structural organization work frame of Primary Care of the CSM, which is an unprecedented experience in healthcare centres specialized in work-related pathologies. 2.- Creation of Institutional Interdisciplinary Care Protocols by FP (Lumbago, Epicondylithis and Tendinopathy caused by work activity) 3.- Planning and execution of the first Health Education activity performed by an interdisciplinary team (Back School Program)