As an occupational health professional, you need certain tools to help you assess and treat a variety of conditions. These tools can help you determine if a patient is ready to go back to work and they enable you to create an effective treatment plan based on your patient’s needs. Here are a few tools every occupational health care professional should have.
Vision Screener
A vision screener for occupational health can measure eyesight and determine if the person can see well enough to perform their essential job functions. It measures the glare, sensitivity to light, and sharpness of the eyes. It can even detect astigmatism. Vision is important in most jobs, and it can be compromised by several conditions. A screener can test and ensure the person is safe to continue in their job. For example, it tests for depth perception, which can affect a person’s ability to walk and do other normal tasks necessary for his/her job. This device also tests nighttime vision, which is essential for someone who works at night.
Spirometer
Another tool occupational health care workers should have on hand is the spirometer. This device measures the air capacity of the lungs. It tells how well the lungs are working at getting air in and out of the body. Occupational therapists can use it to determine if the person has recovered from certain lung conditions and to detect undiagnosed medical issues which may hinder the person’s ability to perform certain tasks.
Dynamometer
A dynamometer tests a person’s muscle strength. This device can be used to detect weakness or to track progress in physical therapy as someone recovers from an injury. It can be used to test if they are able to perform job tasks or even to manage their daily routines.
Inclinometer
An occupational health care worker can use an inclinometer to test for range of motion (ROM). ROM testing is essential after a serious injury. It can determine progress made from physical therapy or detect limitations in a person’s abilities. ROM is often necessary for medical professionals in evaluations for insurance or disability hearings. With a limited range of motion, they may not be able to return to work. The person may even have trouble with certain daily tasks in their everyday life if their range of motion is restricted severely.
Esthesiometer
An esthesiometer tests the sensitivity of the skin. It can also test eye or mouth sensitivity as well. The esthesiometer is useful for patients who have suffered injury in a certain area which may inhibit their level of feeling. For instance, a person with little feeling may not know when they have been burned or if they are getting too cold. Occupational therapists can use this device to test the person to ensure they are safe to work in a particular environment.
Anyone who works in occupational health will find these tools essential to perform their jobs adequately. Look for the best products to help you get quality results for your patients.