A clinical follow up of unemployed II: Sociomedical evaluations as predictors of re-employment

Abstract

Objective - To frame and study sociomedical evaluations in clinical work with unemployed people.

Design - In a two-year follow up of routine health examinations, three sociomedical evaluations were set up. The first was the direct conclusion of the check-up, based on sickness and possibilities of treatment. The second dealt with work identity, and the last was a diagnostic set of main unemployment problem.

Setting - The four municipalities of Grenland, Norway.

Participants - A representative sample aged 16 to 63 who had been registered with the labour market authorities for more than 12 weeks.

Results - 21% of the unemployed needed further treatment. 7% were classified as »discouraged«, being on their way out of the labour market, while the majority of the study group was healthy job seekers. Work identity seemed to be wage earning for 83%, homemaking for 9%, cultural work for 3%, and being a pensioner for 5%. The main unemployment problem was lack of work for 46% of the examined. Other problems were poor health, being less attractive workers, or having little courage for job search. The evaluations predicted re-employment after two years. They divided the unemployed in groups with from five to seven times difference in re-employment rate.

Conclusion - These standardized sociomedical evaluations seem to be useful in clinical work with unemployed people.

Key Words:

• comprehensive health care
• unemployment
• general practitioners
• questionnaires