Work ability – experiences and perceptions among physicians

Abstract

Purpose. To describe experiences and perceptions of work ability and how it can be assessed among Swedish physicians.

Method. We interviewed eight men and six women in the fields of general practice, occupational health, rehabilitation and orthopaedic surgery. Qualitative content analysis was applied to the data.

Results. The approach striving to support the patient in mutual confidence was what primarily affected how work ability was understood and how it could be assessed. Two main categories, with sub categories were settled: familiar but vague, with subcategories conflicting expectations and relations and consensus within speciality and the second main category relying on intuition and examinations, with sub categories life as a whole, reasonableness, progression plan, external obstacles and need for knowledge and collaboration.

Conclusions. We found that physicians mainly rely on what patients were telling about their work situation when assessing work ability. But it was not clear if they should consider the patient's whole life situation, motivation and wishes. Protecting the physician–patient relationship was seen as important as well as the need for teamwork assessments and increased work place knowledge.

Keywords:

• Work ability
• sick leave
• physicians
• qualitative content analysis
• ICF
• action theory

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all informants who participated and offered their valuable thoughts. They also thank Professor Tore Nilstun for insightful advices when designing the interview guide. They convey their gratitude to The Municipality of Växjö and The Swedish Research funding, who supported this study economically. They thank Hans Thulesius for valuable comments on the results and skilful linguistic review.