Evaluation of the Sentinel Surveillance Program in Occupational Health in Navarra (1998-2007)

Abstract

Background. To evaluate the Sentinel Surveillance Program in Occupational Health in Navarre for the 1998-2007 period, identify factors that facilitate its implementation and describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the notified cases. Method. An analysis was made of all occupational sentinel events reported by primary care between 1998 and 2005. All of these were followed through to 2007. Results. In the whole period 2,055 cases were notified; 1,223 with personal identifications and 832 without (59.5% and 40.5%). These included 1,192 elbow tendinitis, 354 carpal tunnel and 417 dermatitis cases. This represents an incidence rate of 332.8 per 100,000 workers in 2005. Only 21% took sick leave and 10.5% had come to primary care after being refused attention by occupational medical insurers. The positive predictive value was 70% (confirmed as occupational). 41% of those work-related diseases were officially notified, 51% received official notification first and the remaining 49% received notification after being seen by a doctor in the public health system. Conclusions. The Sentinel Surveillance Program in Occupational Health in Navarra is a good experience in obtaining an information system that connects the public health system and the occupational compensation system in Spain, but it requires close monitoring and coordination.