[Online survey of the medical profession about knowledge of occupational diseases].

Background: Basic knowledge of occupational diseases is necessary for every physician. Occupational diseases must not be neglected. The aim of this survey was to sensitize physicians from various specialties regarding the topic of work-related illnesses and occupational diseases. The knowledge on this topic was to be evaluated. Furthermore, this online survey should be used for quality management of occupational medicine teaching as well as further education and training.

Methods: In the period from 11/2014 to 5/2015, an online survey was conducted.

Results: A total of 254 people answered the survey, which was registered in Saxony-Anhalt and 69.7% of the physicians were between 40-59 years old. Almost 1/4 of all respondents assessed their own level of knowledge on this topic as poor/insufficient. Half of the respondents reported inadequate/insufficient training on this topic during their studies or during residency training in their specialty. Of the respondents 91.1% partially or completely underestimated the importance of occupational health knowledge on this topic during their studies. Almost ¾ of the respondents had not yet taken advantage of any training courses on this topic during their professional activity.

Conclusion: There are high professional and ethical requirements for physicians to recognize and report occupational diseases. Further training in occupational medicine on this subject should be offered more frequently and the presence of occupational medicine in medical studies at universities should be increased.