ENVIRONMENTAL-HEALTH RESPONSE CLINICS - A SURVEY OF PROGRAM OPTIONS

Environmental Health Response Clinics are established in response to c oncerns about community exposures to hazardous situations (chemical, b iological, radiological). They are developed in response to a demand f or ''clinical services'' and operate outside the usual health care fin ancing and delivery mechanisms. Prompted by their experience in Califo rnia, the authors formed a focus group to identify possible goals and services. A mail survey of occupational-environmental health professio nals was then conducted to evaluate the feasibility and priority of re presentative goals. The analysis suggests that services should focus o n the specific hazard of concern and that communication and education are essential components. The tendency to ''do a general physical exam ination'' should be eschewed. Ratings for priority and feasibility wer e disparate for several possible goals. In some instances, a ''hands-o n examination'' may not be the best use of resources. Environmental he alth professionals may serve by direct clinical service or by advising community-based practitioners. Providing routine clinical services al one cannot meet the expectations for an environmental health response clinic.