1.Progress on work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the list of occupational diseases
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):251-253
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a leading cause of worker absenteeism, disability, and wage loss. To mitigate WMSDs, many countries and organizations have established classification systems; however, significant discrepancies persist due to the lack of a unified consensus. China’s newly revised Classification and Catalogue of Occupational Diseases will take effect in August 2025, marking the first inclusion of WMSDs as a statutory occupational disease category, encompassing carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis. On the occasion of this updated list, this paper reviewed the global status of WMSDs and compared their classification frameworks across major countries and regions. The special column on WMSDs was organized to address the epidemiological trends, risk factor identification, and assessment methodologies in China, aiming to provide scientific foundations for the prevention and control of WMSDs.
2.Assessment of ergonomics risk in typical upper limb operations of electricians based on RULA
Zekai LIANG ; Guanlin LI ; Shiheng ZHU ; Jiajie LI ; Qingsong CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):254-259
Background A large number of power supply workers are involved in live working and are exposed to multiple risk factors for long periods of time during outdoor work, which in turn causes occupational health problems. Objective To identify potential ergonomic factors related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and estimate the ergonomic risk of electricians. Methods A total of 31 workers were randomly selected from a training base under a power supply enterprise in Guangxi, and their operation processes were recorded by video. Using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method, the workers were scored by the posture of their arms, neck, and torso during operation, and the final scores were summarized to assess their risk level. Two independent samples t-tests were used to compare the differences in RULA scores. Results A total of 31 videos for mounting/dismounting insulation mask and 29 videos for breaking/connecting contact terminal were collected. The RULA score for mounting/dismounting insulation mask was 6.6 ± 0.7 (left side) and 7.0 ± 0.2 (right side), most of the workers had a score of 7 (71.0% on the left side and 96.8% on the right side), and the upper limb and overall scores on the right side were higher than those on the left side (P < 0.05). The RULA score for breaking/connecting contact terminal was 6.9 ± 0.4 (both right and left sides), most of workers had a score of 7 (89.7% on the left side and 93.1% on the right side), and the difference of the overall scores between the right and left side for this operation were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The ergonomic risk levels for both operations were level 3 or higher. Conclusion Mounting/dismounting insulation mask and breaking/connecting contact terminal are typical upper limb operations, and have a high level of ergonomics risk, requiring effective preventive and protective measures.
3.Simulation analysis of work posture and muscle fatigue in breaking and connecting contact terminal
Ruijian PAN ; Xin LU ; Conghan LIU ; Chu CHEN ; Lei LIU ; Min LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):260-269
Background When live working line operators engage in upper limb operations, working for a long time with raising arms and the exposure to adverse ergonomic factors tend to increase muscle load, cause fatigue accumulation, and increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Objective To analyze work posture and associated muscle fatigue during executing breaking/connecting contact terminal, and identify adverse ergonomic factors of the work process. Methods This study recruited 10 volunteers to perform breaking/connecting contact terminal simulation. At a distance of 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5 m from the body to the wire, each performed the task 5 times. Visual 3D was used to analyze the kinematic data from motion capture. The surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of the deltoid, biceps, triceps, and brachioradialis were recorded during the simulation and analyzed for muscle fatigue using root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MF), and jointed EMG amplitude and spectrum analysis (JASA). After completion of each task, Borg scale was used to query the volunteers of their subjective fatigue. A 2-min rest was required between each distance. Results The kinematic data from motion capture showed that in the entire process of the task, the right upper limb was higher when lifting, with the right shoulder joint maintaining flexion and fluctuating periodically between abduction and adduction, external and internal rotation, the right elbow joint maintaining flexion and supination. The frequency of task cycle showed a significant effect on the Borg scale scores (P<0.001, partial
4.Prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of coal miners in a coal mine group
Xiaolan ZHENG ; Liuquan JIANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Fan YANG ; Qiang LI ; Li LI ; Yingjun CHEN ; Qingsong CHEN ; Gaisheng LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):278-285
Background The positive rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among coal mine workers remains high, which seriously affects the quality of life of the workers. Objective To estimate the prevalence of WMSDs among coal miners in Shanxi Province and analyze their influencing factors. Methods From May to December 2023,
5.Prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in neck and shoulder among power distribution workers
Conghan LIU ; Min LI ; Chu CHEN ; Lei LIU ; Xin LU ; Ruijian PAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):310-318
Background Power grid is an important component of the national infrastructure. The occupational health issues among the workers in this industry are attracting great concern nationwide. Objective To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in neck and shoulder among the power distribution workers of power supply enterprises, and analyze the related influencing factors. Method In April 2023, a total of
6.Association of outdoor light at night with obstructive sleep apnoea: A cross-sectional study among adults in Southern China
Suhan WANG ; Gongbo CHEN ; Yan CHEN ; Hailin XIONG ; Qiong OU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):334-341
Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Given the substantial number of OSA patients, it is urgently in need to address the burden on society. Current available evidence linking outdoor light at night (LAN) to OSA is scarce. Objective To explore the relationships regarding outdoor LAN and OSA among residents in Southern China. Methods A total of
7.Perceived stress and occupational burnout among hospital staff in Guangzhou tertiary hospitals
Wenli ZHOU ; Xiaoyi WU ; Yichen YE ; Liman WU ; Biyun CHEN ; Yi SHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):354-359
Background Staff in tertiary hospitals are a high-risk group for occupational burnout. Timely identification and precise intervention are crucial for improving healthcare service quality. However, comparative studies on perceived stress and occupational burnout among hospital staff in different positions are lacking. Objective To describe the status of perceived stress and occupational burnout among hospital staff in different positions and compare the differences, explore the relationship between perceived stress and occupational burnout, and identify the influencing factors of occupational burnout. Methods In May 2022,
8.Practice and analysis of implementing drug traceability code management in outpatient pharmacy
Liwen LIAO ; Yuqi WANG ; Yuzi WANG ; Kang CHEN ; Shuxia LI ; Kejing TANG ; Wei YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):858-862
OBJECTIVE To explore optimization pathways for the drug traceability code management model in outpatient pharmacy workflows, providing practical evidence for enhancing the efficiency of pharmaceutical service. METHODS Taking the outpatient pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University as the research subject, a comprehensive drug traceability system was established through three key interventions: upgrading the information system architecture [including integration of the hospital information system (HIS) with the traceability platform], workflow optimization (reorganizing the inventory-dispensing-verification tripartite process), and designing a dual-mode traceability data collection mechanism (primary data capture at dispensing stations and supplementary capture at verification stations). Operational efficiency differences before and after implementation were analyzed using the medical insurance data and service timeliness metrics in September 2024. RESULTS After the implementation of drug traceability code management, in terms of data collection: Mode Ⅰ (verification-stage capture) uploaded 26 144 records, while Mode Ⅲ (inventory-as-sales capture) uploaded 443 061 records, totaling 469 205 entries; in terms of time efficiency: average drug dispensing time increased from 28.74 s to 43.37 s (enhanced by 51%). Through dynamic staffing adjustments, patient wait time only extended from 8.04 min to 8.67 min (enhanced by 8%). CONCLUSIONS Drug traceability code management can be effectively implemented via a “system reconstruction-process reengineering-human-machine collaboration” trinity strategy, leveraging informatization (e.g., dual-mode data capture) to offset manual operation delays, which validates the feasibility of balancing national traceability demands with service efficiency in outpatient pharmacies.
9.Literature Data Analysis on the Evolution Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Psoriasis Vulgaris
Kewen GUAN ; Xiuli XIE ; Chuanjian LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):834-840
ObjectiveTo explore the distribution and evolution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and syndrome elements in psoriasis vulgaris (PV). MethodsLiterature related to TCM syndromes of PV published in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang), VIP Chinese Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception to December 31, 2023, was retrieved. Statistical analysis was conducted on the distribution of TCM syndromes and syndrome elements in the included studies. The data were further categorized into five-year periods to analyze the dynamic changes in syndromes and syndrome elements over time. ResultsA total of 2,853 studies were included, with 5,896 syndrome occurrences. The most common TCM syndromes in PV were blood-heat syndrome (2,167 occurrences, 36.75%), blood-stasis syndrome (1,219 occurrences, 20.68%), blood-dryness syndrome (1,124 occurrences, 19.06%), and damp-heat syndrome (263 occurrences, 4.46%). The most frequent syndrome categories included blood syndromes (4,680 occurrences, 79.38%) and dampness syndromes (347 occurrences, 5.89%). The most common syndrome elements related to disease location were blood division (4,874 occurrences, 94.38%) and spleen (99 occurrences, 1.92%). The most common syndrome elements related to disease nature were blood-heat (2,213 occurrences, 25.96%), blood-dryness (1,434 occurrences, 16.82%), and blood-stasis (1,330 occurrences, 15.60%). Except for the period 1978-1983, blood-heat, blood-stasis, and blood-dryness syndromes consistently ranked among the top three, with their combined proportion showing an overall upward trend (from 67.65% to 81.69%). The proportion of spleen deficiency with damp obstruction syndrome also increased (from 0.24% to 1.46%). In terms of syndrome classification, the proportion of blood syndromes showed an overall upward trend (from 67.65% to 83.46%), ranking first in all periods. The proportion of dampness syndromes showed a general downward trend (from 17.65% to 4.54%), ranking second after blood syndromes in most periods except for 1994-1998 and 1999-2003. The proportion of spleen-related syndromes showed an overall increase (from 0.24% to 1.85%). Regarding disease location elements, the proportion of blood division remained stable above 90%, while the proportion of spleen involvement increased (from 0.68% to 3.23%). As for disease nature elements, blood-heat (from 19.23% to 33.27%) and blood-stasis (from 1.92% to 20.83%) significantly increased, while dampness initially decreased and then slightly increased (from 11.54% to 5.73%). ConclusionIn the distribution of PV-related TCM syndromes, blood-heat, blood-stasis, and blood-dryness syndromes are the most common. Blood syndromes dominate syndrome classification, with disease location primarily in the blood division and disease nature characterized by blood-heat, blood-stasis, and blood-dryness. Evolutionary trends indicate that blood-heat, blood-stasis, and blood-dryness syndromes remain predominant and are increasing in proportion, while spleen deficiency with damp obstruction syndrome is also rising. Among syndrome classifications, the proportion of blood syndromes is increasing, dampness syndromes are decreasing, and spleen-related syndromes are on the rise. In terms of syndrome elements, blood division remains dominant, while spleen involvement is increasing. The proportion of blood-heat and blood-stasis is significantly increasing, while dampness first declines and then slightly rebounds. Overall, the mainstream TCM perspective of treating PV based on blood differentiation remains unchanged, with syndrome distribution focusing on blood division. The increasing importance of spleen deficiency and dampness in disease pathogenesis represents a new trend.
10.Organizational Readiness for Change and Factors Influencing the Implementation of Shared Medical Appointment for Diabetes in Primary Healthcare Institutions
Wei YANG ; Yiyuan CAI ; Jiajia CHEN ; Run MAO ; Lang LINGHU ; Sensen LYU ; Dong XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):479-491
The success of implementation research is closely tied to the institution's pre-implementation readiness. This study aims to explore the organizational readiness for change (ORC) and its influencing factors on primary healthcare settings in the implementation of the "Shared Medical Appointment for Diabetes (SMART) in China: design of an optimization trial" and to enhance ORC and provide insights to support the effective implementation of the program. Qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys were conducted to evaluate the ORC level and its influencing factors in 12 institutions implementing the SMART program. The Scale for Assessing the Institution's Readiness to Implement Evidence-Based Practices was utilized to measure ORC levels. Qualitative interviews were conducted among change implementers to gather information regarding the status of influencing factors. Thematic analysis was applied to extract factors from the interview data, and an assessment questionnaire was developed to measure the perceived impact of these factors. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was employed to identify the influencing factors of ORC and pathways leading to high-level ORC. Seventy implementers from 12 institutions, encompassing administrators, clinicians, and health managers, participated in the interviews and surveys. The median and interquartile of the ORC scores were 105.20 (101.23, 107.33). The fsQCA indicated that a clear understanding of specific tasks and responsibilities, the active engagement of key participants, sufficient preliminary preparation, and the use of audits and feedback mechanisms were critical pathways to a high-level ORC. Conversely, institutions lacking key participants, preliminary preparation, or marginal influence demonstrated a low-level ORC. Before implementing innovation, Coherence and Cognitive Participation were identified as critical factors in influencing ORC. Strong leadership from key participants played pivotal role in enhancing readiness for change and was essential for improving implementation fidelity and overall program success.

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