Role and Issues of Physicians in Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance System for Mesothelioma Development

. ABSTRACT ━━ Objective. Mesothelioma patients can apply to the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance System. However, the evaluation of occupational exposure is a heavy load for physicians. The current status of asbestos exposure interviews has not been clarified. Study Design. A questionnaire survey was conducted on patients, and a stepwise regression analysis was conducted with application (certification) for Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance System as the dependent variable and three “physicianʼs response” items and five “rea-sons for application for Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance System” items as independent variables. Re-sults. Patients were more likely to apply for workersʼ compensation insurance when they received more information from their physicians (b=0.276, t[88]=2.336, p =0.021, β =0.242). We also found an increase in applications for Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance System when there was an increase in advice and suggestions from patient groups (b=0.569, t[88]=5.373, p ＜ 0.05, β =0.497). Conclusion. It is important to inform patients about applying to the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance System, and it is necessary to establish a consultation support system at medical institutions and to deepen cooperation with patient groups