The Navy's Occupational Health Information Management System: Epidemiological Research Considerations
Abstract
Historically, epidemiological research has usually focused on disease and the description of disease occurrence in terms of person, place and time-related variables. Recently, however, the emphasis has shifted to the study of exposed persons rather than diseased persons. The long-term effects of exposure to some substance are clearly as important as the antecedents of some disease. Persons working in Navy industrial environments have daily contact with large numbers of chemical, physical or biological exposures. Some of these exposure are known to cause disease in humans; others have been shown to be harmful to animals in varying doses; while others have no known adverse health effects. This paper will provide an overview of the Navy's Occupational Health Information Management System (NOHIMS) and describe specific functional areas that will provide epidemiological support to evaluate potential occupationally related health effects. Cogent and timely use of occupational health and medical data will contribute to more informed medical and administrative decision-making in terms of job placement and the assessment of health risk. Potential epidemiologic research application of the NOHIMS database will be extensive and the unique cross-referencing feature and file structure of NOHIMS will make it possible to track workers by social security number through their entire work history and significant medical encounters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA161879
Entities
People
- James C. Helmkamp
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center