Management of the Corporate Traveller.
Global economic expansion and proliferation of world markets has seen a corresponding growth in business travel. Unlike package tourists, the nature of business travel often places undue stress on the business traveller. Tight schedules in multiple time zones, limited recovery and jet-lag, frequent separation from family and possible safety issues may all play a role in the physiological, psychological and business performance of the corporate traveller.
Good pre-travel assessment and advice can not only reduce morbidity and mortality but also ensure productivity and business performance of the traveller.
A key component of the health assessment for the international business traveller is to determine fitness to travel, through the following process.
A simple questionnaire can provide enough information about the employee’s health to determine the need for a medical evaluation. Questions should include
Identifying Risk Factors
Risk factors that could pose a threat to the health and possible business performance of the traveller should be identified from assessment of health history, the following areas should be explored:
E.g. A traveller with a chronic respiratory problem may experience difficulties if travelling to a city with high levels of pollution.
Vaccination Recommendations
The rationale for recommending vaccination is dependent on the risk of acquiring the disease opposed to the efficacy and possible side effects of the vaccine. Recommendation should be based on the following:
Country/ies to be visited
Exposure risk: rural, urban, remote areas
Length of stay
Sequence of Travel
Time of Year
Living conditions
The nature of corporate travel often necessitates the traveller having to leave on very short notice. In these instances it is often difficult to follow vaccination schedules. It may be prudent to ensure the business traveller’s routine vaccinations tetanus/diphtheria and polio, measles, mumps, rubella are up to date.
Presently, Yellow Fever is the only regulated and required immunization (see the Blue Sheet CDC). The Business traveller should be vaccinated at least 10 days before entering a country that requires proof of vaccination.
One of the most effective measures in the prevention of Traveller’s Diarrhoea is careful personal hygiene, and meticulous food and water precautions.
The use of chemoprophylaxis with an antimicrobial agent in the prevention of Traveller’s Diarrhoea remains controversial. However, with regard to a business traveller time lost to illness can spell disaster. Consideration will need to be given on the importance of the trip and the risk-benefit assessment of the individual traveller’s needs.
An alternative is the use of bismuth subsalicylate prophylactically (two tablespoons or two tablets four times daily) which is estimated to be around 65% protective against TD and with less side effects than anti-microbials.
The other option is self-treatment with an antiperistaltic such as Imodium and/or a quinolone such as Ciprofloxacillin 500mg twice daily for three days.
The most significant of the insect spread diseases is Malaria. The business traveller to malarious zones needs careful advice about an appropriate drug regimen, with emphasise on compliance. Recommendations will be based on the area to be visited, time spent in the area and any contraindications the traveller may have to the medication.
Malarone may be a convenient option for short-term travellers in chloroquine resistant areas having only to be taken 1-2 days before entering a malarious area and for 7 days after leaving the malarious area.
Equally as important as prophylaxis is protection against insect bites.
As no prophylactic is 100% protective advise the business traveller to report any fevers that develop 7 or more days after exposure.
Dengue Fever can cause significant morbidity. It often occurs in urban areas where typical business travellers tend to visit. Protection against insect bites should be advised.
The crossing of several time zones causes disruptions in the sleep rest patterns. Symptoms of jet lag can lead to fatigue, irritability and poor concentration. These conditions may lower business performance or even put the corporate traveller at increased risk for injury.
Some suggestions could include:
Information and advice should be given regarding sexually transmitted diseases and the increase prevalence and risk of Hepatitis B and HIV in many of the developing countries. If the business traveller seems reluctant to talk about these issues information can be included in the travel kit or given as separate handouts.
A HIV test may be required of the business traveller before a business visa will be issued. Counselling should be offered to the traveller and the implications of conducting such a test explained.
An appropriately stocked travel health kit is often helpful, as business travellers have neither the time or access to over the counter remedies for minor ailments.
Careful instruction would be needed to educate these travellers on the use of such kits. Certain supplies will be included based on the region and risk assessment. The kits could include items such as:
Prescription Medication could include:
The kit should be checked periodically for expired medication.
Psychosocial Health Problems
Psychosocial problems such as anxiety, stress, culture shock, separation from families and adjustment problems can occur when travelling and working in new physical, cultural and organizational environments.
Helping the business traveller become aware of their own needs, susceptibilities and vulnerabilities forms the key to effective coping. Encourage any methods that the traveller may have in coping with psychological issues, i.e. deep breathing and relaxation exercises. Explore the use of alcohol and illicit drugs, discourage their use as coping techniques. Medication may be appropriate for certain travellers.
Although not covered in this outline due to the coverage elsewhere, the following issues should also be included as part of the travel risk assessment.
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Liese, B., Mundt, K.A., Dell, L.D., Nagy, L., Demure, B. (1997) Medical insurance claims associated with international business travel Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Vol. 54, 4999-503
Ide, C.W. (1994), Strains and Bloats and Trains, or how to travel hopefully and return safely. The Safety & Health Practitioner, September, 14-17
Kenmmerer, T.P., Cetron, M., Harper, L & Kozarsky, P.E. (1998) Health Problem of Corporate Travelers: Risk Factors and Management Journal Travel Medicine, Vol. 5 184-187
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Submitted by:
Louise Williams RN
Tel: 604-987-5526
louise@tmvc.com