Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS