Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Nonprofit advocacy groups and government-funded service agencies have
occupied the front lines in seeking to represent hired and contract workers. Al-
though some efforts have been helpful, few of the spokespeople who speak on
behalf of hired and contract workers have any direct experience as AFF workers
themselves or, in some cases, only slight direct contact with these workers. Direct
worker involvement as stakeholders is essential if their views are to be adequately
represented. Stipends need to be considered to compensate workers for time off
of work and travel expenses.
HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH AND TRAINING
Health services research is defined as the multidisciplinary field of scientific inves-
tigation that studies how social factors, financing systems, organizational structural
processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect access to healthcare, the
quality and cost of healthcare, and ultimately health and well-being. The research
domains of this field are individuals, families, organizations, institutions, communi-
ties, and populations. Health services research examines how people obtain access
to healthcare, how much healthcare costs, and what happens to patients as a result
of this care. The goals of health services research are to identify the most effective
ways to organize, manage, finance, and deliver high-quality care and improve patient
safety (Academy Health, 2000). This research has been conducted to study a variety
of healthcare aspects, including those pertaining directly to occupational health.
Health services research has not been conducted in as much detail in agricultural,
forestry, and fishing workers as in other occupational groups.
The term training refers to the education of professionals in specific topics
directly related to safety and health. It may target people working as or training
to become nurses (including advanced practice nurses), physicians, physician's
assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, mental health counselors,
emergency medicine technicians, lay health workers, safety professionals, engi-
neers, and industrial hygienists. At times, the training has been specific to clinical
problems that are directly relevant to AFF workforce safety and health issues and
has been conducted with a public health approach; however, at other times, it has
been a general approach to occupational safety and health without emphasis on
problems seen in AFF workers. There has been a consistent approach to educating
healthcare professionals about AFF occupational issues.
Strategic Goals and Objectives
The briefing information provided by NIOSH did not contain goals pertaining
directly to health services research and training. However, NIOSH funds several
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