Simple quiz may replace costly medical exams for jobs

Washington, Dec 23 (ANI): For some undergoing a medical exam to qualify for a job can be daunting. Now, these unnecessary and uncomfortable tests can be replaced with a pencil and paper, thanks to the researchers from Tel Aviv University who have developed a questionnaire that can provide a much more accurate forecast.

Dr. Shlomo Moshe, an occupational physician from the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, said that medical exams were often not an accurate predictor of competency or job performance.

"A questionnaire can effectively rule out those who are not fit for white collar and non-hazardous blue collar positions and with our test, more people are actually found fit for work than those assessed by a medical exam," Moshe said.

"It's only natural that an employer wants to be sure he won't be affected by an employee's medical problems, and that a disability won't affect job performance.

"He wants a certificate of health. Now we can give that without extracting a drop of blood or urine," Moshe added.

The test is already used widely in Israel. It includes several dozen questions, including: Are you taking medications regularly? Have you ever filed a disability claim? Do you have allergies to any food and medications? Have you ever been injured in an accident?

The study showed that 98 per cent of the people, who took the questionnaire, were correctly deemed suitable for employment. (ANI)