The Differences in Necessary Competencies, Skills, and Performance Abilities Among Thai Board-Certified Occupational Medicine Physicians and Basic Occupational Medicine Certified Physicians.

Abstract

Background: Occupational physicians in Thailand are classified into two groups: Thai board-certified occupational medicine physicians (TBOMPs) and Basic occupational medicine certified physician (BOMCPs). Variations in training duration result in differences in professional competencies. Although national regulations allow both groups to perform similar duties, disparities in training have raised concerns regarding competency, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose: To explore the necessary competencies, skills, and abilities to perform in occupational medicine in TBOMPs and BOMCPs.

Patients and methods: An analytic cross-sectional survey was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed via the Redcap platform to TBOMPs end BOMCPs across institutions. The questionnaire was developed based on several standardized sources of core competencies, is divided into three sections, which include: demographic and working conditions, necessary competencies and skills, and abilities to perform in occupational medicine.

Results: A total of 216 respondents participated in the study, comprising 58 TBOMPs and 158 BOMCPs. The TBOMPs had a slightly higher proportion of males than the BOMCPs (67.2% vs 53.2%) and a marginally lower mean age (34.84 ± 8.59 vs 37.67 ± 8.69 years). As regards necessary competencies, TBOMPs significantly rated four areas higher than BOMCPs which include diagnosis of work-related diseases (4.57 vs 4.43, p = 0.032), ergonomics (4.38 vs 4.10, p = 0.005), medical surveillance and prevention (4.63 vs 4.48, p = 0.034), and communication skills (4.81 vs 4.57, p = 0.001). Additionally, as regards the abilities to perform, TBOMPs rated all areas higher than BOMCPs except for diagnosing work-related diseases (93.1% vs 81.7%, p = 0.053), and leadership and teamwork (91.4% vs 87.3%, p = 0.481).

Conclusion: HRM, communication, teamwork, and leadership are essential competencies and skills. Enhancing training in environmental medicine, revising research methodology instruction, and introducing refresher training sessions in the The Residency Training Program of Occupational Medicine (ROM) and Basic occupational medicine (BOM) curricula are recommended to improve professional practice.