The role of information support in improving medical support for seafaring personnel

Introduction . Managing the process of collecting, analyzing, and systematizing the results of medical examinations of seafaring personnel in medical organizations of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia requires development of a specialized information system. Objective . To carry out a comprehensive analysis of the activities of FMBA organizations, to develop on its basis and implement into practical use an information system for ensuring the continuity of all types of medical support for seafaring personnel; to create a digital Register of the results of medical examinations of seafarers. Materials and methods . During the 2014–2023 period, the principles of organizing the work of medical organizations that provide medical care to seafaring personnel were studied. A methodology for recording the results of medical examinations of seafarers with the purpose of forming an information Register was developed. An analysis of medical support provided to people working on ships in 2023 was conducted based on the reports of FMBA structural units, including 35 health centers, 70 ship doctors, and 14 doctors of diving medicine. Results . In March 2023, the Head Center for Health Protection of Seafarers, FMBA, implemented a pilot project on creation of a Register in the Northwestern Federal District. Within its framework, a methodology for generating a seafarer identification number in the Register was developed and 26,125 records of information about persons who underwent preliminary and periodic medical examinations were analyzed. The implementation of the proposed methodology for the formation of registers in all districts allowed an information system in the amount of 38,993 conclusions to be drawn based on medical examinations conducted in 2022–2023. Conclusion . A single informational resource in conjunction with the Register for all 35 medical organizations that provide medical support to seafaring personnel, including conducting preliminary and periodic medical examinations, forms the basis for further improvement of scientific approaches to the organization and development of maritime and diving medicine in the Russian Federation.