Key points
- Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital health records used in healthcare.
- EHRs have replaced paper medical records in most medical environments.
- Including work information in EHRs and other health information systems enhances patient care and public health awareness.
- NIOSH is developing tools and best practices that support work information in EHRs.
Overview
Work and health are interconnected. Most adults in the United States work, spending a significant portion of their waking hours on the job. Work can be beneficial to health and wellbeing by:
- Fostering social connections
- Providing access to resources that can promote health
- Providing a sense of meaning and purpose
However, there are many things that can contribute to . They include:
- Employment opportunities
- Health insurance
- Healthcare access
- Income and benefits
- Working condition
- Occupational hazards
Work Information
Capturing, exchanging, and using standardized work information in EHRs supports patient care, population care, and public health. The Community Preventative Services Task Force identified employment and job characteristics as one of six .
Occupational Data for Health
Occupational Data for Health (ODH) is a framework for collecting and using interoperable data in EHRs and other health IT systems. The ODH model describes data elements, how they relate to each other, and how they relate to a person. The following are resources for ODH.
- ODH value sets for and
- A Guide to Collection of Occupational Data for Health (ODH)
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The identifies system features to manage ODH data in electronic health records. Also, Do You Know How Occupational Data for Health Can Support Quality Care? is an introduction to ODH for healthcare professionals.