Role of chest physicians in detection and treatment of occupational and environmental respiratory disease. A practice survey.

A survey of American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) members was conducted to determine their degree of involvement in the diagnosis and prevention of occupational and environmental respiratory disease (OERD). Although the response rate was relatively low, the results are likely to be representative. Calculations based on the data estimate that in the prior year, chest physicians on the average saw 15 patients with OERD caused by work, 13 worsened by work, and 28 affected by the home environment. Asthma appears to be a more common occupational or environmental concern than pulmonary fibrosis. Chest physicians clearly perceived a need for more education in OERD. The survey also demonstrated that although many chest physicians perform routine industrial surveillance testing, it is often done without using standardized methods. Furthermore, chest physicians are actively involved with medical/legal aspects of OERD. Overall, the survey documents the role of chest physicians in the area of OERD and emphasizes significant educational needs.