Is an expert diagnosis enough for assessment of sick leave for employees with musculoskeletal and mental disorders?

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study is to determine differences in self-reported work ability, work conditions, health and function between ICD-10 groups with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), mental disorders (MDs) and MSD  ++  MD and to determine which variables are associated with sick leave.

Method. A cross-sectional study of 210 employees was conducted at an occupational health service unit. Physiotherapists and physicians classified the employees' health problems according to ICD-10 and the employees answered a questionnaire with questions on demographic variables, health, functioning, work ability and work conditions.

Results. Forty-four per cent of the employees had MSD, 22%% had MD and 34%% had a MSD  ++  MD. The group on sick leave had worse results for all health and work measures. Belonging to the MD group, belonging to the MSD  ++  MD group, having poor work ability and functioning were associated with being on sick leave. The value for the model explaining being on sick leave was 0.63 (Nagelkerke R²).

Conclusions. Having a diagnosis of MD based on a professional opinion and having poor work ability and functioning based on self-reports are associated with being on sick leave. The results suggest that self-reported data could be used to complement the expert-based diagnosis.

Keywords:

• Work ability
• musculoskeletal disorders
• mental disorders
• sick leave
• ICD-10
• work ability index

Acknowledgements

A special thank you to Per Nilsen who provided valuable feedback on this manuscript. We would also like to thank Henrik Magnusson for statistical support and the OHS unit for active participation in the study.