How do physiotherapists include the work perspective in the treatment of patients on sick leave for musculoskeletal disorders?

Abstract

Purpose: Explore how physiotherapists in private practice, educated during the last 10 years in Norway, include the work perspective in treatment of patients on sick leave for musculoskeletal disorders, who they collaborate with and how they experience their role and competence in the field. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with nine physiotherapists in private practice were conducted. Systematic text condensation was used to analyze the data. Findings: Three main categories appeared i) The patient in the center, ii) Unclear role in the sick leave work and iii) Good basic competence, but the need for more knowledge about regulations and social security topics. Conclusion: The physiotherapists address questions about work in the treatment of patients on sick leave for musculoskeletal pain. The interdisciplinary collaboration is limited, and much of the communication with other actors goes via the patient. The physiotherapists still believe they are an important professional group concerning sickness absence, but they need clarification of their own role and responsibility in this work, as well as more knowledge about regulations and social security topics.

Keywords

• musculoskeletal pain
• sick leave
• interdisciplinary collaboration
• work participation