INTERSECTORAL COOPERATION IN THE EYE TRAUMA PREVENTION SYSTEM: MEDICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF ORGANIZATION

Abstract

Purpose. To develop and scientifically substantiate a model of intersectoral cooperation in the eye trauma prevention system with the determination of organizational mechanisms for coordinating the activities of various sectors at the regional level. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted during 2021–2024 in five regions of Ukraine. We analyzed statistical reporting forms No. 20, No. 47-OZ, conducted expert surveys of 142 specialists (38 ophthalmologists, 34 health care organizers, 37 occupational safety specialists, 33 representatives of educational institutions), and used organizational-analytical methods and modeling. A pilot project was implemented at 8 enterprises in Lviv oblast. Statistical processing was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0. Pearson’s χ² test and Fisher’s exact test were used for group comparisons (p < 0.05). Results. Analysis revealed the absence of coordinated intersectoral cooperation. Each sector operates autono- mously, leading to duplication of measures and leaving significant risk groups unattended. The structure of trau- matic eye injuries by place of occurrence: domestic injuries – 52.4%, occupational – 28.6%, street – 12.3%, sports – 4.2%, road traffic – 2.5%. Working-age people (18–60 years) accounted for 68.7% of victims. The main barriers to intersectoral cooperation were: lack of legal framework (88.0% of experts), unclear distribution of responsibilities (83.8%), and lack of financing (78.9%). We developed a three-level coordination model (strategic, tactical, opera- tional) including Regional Council for Eye Trauma Prevention, sectoral working groups, and operational implement- ers. A pilot project in Lviv oblast demonstrated a 38.2% reduction in occupational eye traumatism (p = 0.041) and a 50.0% reduction in severe injuries (p = 0.038). Use of personal protective equipment increased from 34% to 78%. Economic analysis showed cost-effectiveness of the prevention program. Conclusions. The developed three-level coordination model provides an organizational basis for coordinated preventive activities at the regional level. The pilot project results confirmed the partnership-based approach effec- tiveness, justifying the feasibility of scaling the model to other regions after adaptation to their specific conditions.