Guidance for Health Support Service for Dioxin Exposed People: Annual Health Check This is a suggested format for the Health Support Service for Dioxin Exposed People: annual health check. The annual health check is a new comprehensive service designed to assess the health needs of individuals who may have been exposed to dioxins from the former Ivon Watkins Dow factory in Paritutu, New Plymouth, and to facilitate access to services to support wellness. History, examination, and investigations should be appropriate to each individual’s situation and health status. More information is available on the Ministry of Health’s website: www.health.govt.nz/dioxins. weight/exercise, alcohol or other drug use History (eg, review appropriate sections of the Review patient questionnaire. patient questionnaire). Discuss the patient’s residential and/or Explore of change’/motivation for ‘stage occupational exposure to dioxin. change. Consider whether the patient has any symptoms or health conditions related to Information dioxin exposure (eg, review ‘Current Health’ section of patient questionnaire). Provide patient with information about dioxin and its health effects and discuss Specific issues to consider include: any concerns about exposure or refer the patient for further information. malaise, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, persistent fever, etc Examination skin/soft tissue (eg, itchiness, rashes, Consider completing the following lumps, etc) examinations (where indicated): respiratory issues general (weight/height/BMI, blood peripheral neuropathy or other pressure, urinalysis, blood glucose) neurological symptoms respiratory examination and lung atypical pain function (including spirometry) prostatic symptoms skin, soft tissue, lymphatic system anxiety, depression, or other brief neurological examination moderate mental health issues including motor, sensory function, pregnancy (or future and back and lower limb function plans) and folate supplementation. abdominal examination Review medical history, family history, prostate, breast, or gynaecological and current diseases or medication examination if indicated examination of infant of an exposed Consider whether the patient has any woman for dysmorphic features and mental health concerns (eg, review ‘mood a visual examination of lower back screening’ section of patient and limbs. questionnaire). Consider the patient’s general health and lifestyle including smoking,
Guidance for Health Support Service for Dioxin Exposed People: Annual Health Check This is a suggested format for the Health Support Service for Dioxin Exposed People: annual health check. The annual health check is a new comprehensive service designed to assess the health needs of individuals who may have been exposed to dioxins from the former Ivon Watkins Dow factory in Paritutu, New Plymouth, and to facilitate access to services to support wellness. History, examination, and investigations should be appropriate to each individual’s situation and health status. More information is available on the Ministry of Health’s website: www.health.govt.nz/dioxins. History Review patient questionnaire. Discuss the patient’s residential and/or occupational exposure to dioxin. Consider whether the patient has any symptoms or health conditions related to dioxin exposure (eg, review ‘Current Health’ section of patient questionnaire). Specific issues to consider include: malaise, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, persistent fever, etc skin/soft tissue (eg, itchiness, rashes, lumps, etc) respiratory issues peripheral neuropathy or other neurological symptoms atypical pain prostatic symptoms anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues pregnancy (or future plans) and folate supplementation. Review medical history, family history, and current diseases or medication Consider whether the patient has any mental health concerns (eg, review ‘mood screening’ section of patient questionnaire). Consider the patient’s general health and lifestyle including smoking, weight/exercise, alcohol or other drug use (eg, review appropriate sections of the patient questionnaire). Explore ‘stage of change’/motivation for change. Information Provide patient with information about dioxin and its health effects and discuss any concerns about exposure or refer the patient for further information. Examination Consider completing the following examinations (where indicated): general (weight/height/BMI, blood pressure, urinalysis, blood glucose) respiratory examination and lung function (including spirometry) skin, soft tissue, lymphatic system brief neurological examination including motor, sensory function, and back and lower limb function abdominal examination prostate, breast, or gynaecological examination if indicated examination of infant of an exposed woman for dysmorphic features and a visual examination of lower back and limbs. moderate
annual-health-check-guidance.docx