Advantages of the JobReha discharge letter: an instrument for improving the communication interface in occupational rehabilitation

Abstract

Systematic collaboration between occupational physicians (OPs) and rehabilitation physicians (RPs) can improve occupational rehabilitation processes and outcomes. The JobReha discharge letter (JR-DL) is a key element of JobReha, a multilevel intervention for specific occupational rehabilitation of workers with musculoskeletal disorders. This feasibility study aims to analyse the perceived benefit and acceptance of the JR-DL as an instrument for improving the communication interface between RPs and OPs. On the day of discharge from rehabilitation, the rehabilitation physician completed a JR-DL form containing relevant information on the rehabilitation measures undertaken during treatment and recommendations for return to work. The JR-DL was either transmitted to the patient's occupational physician directly or given to the patients to bring to the OP to support the reintegration process. The JR-DL as an instrument for improving the communication interface was evaluated using data from patient questionnaires (n=250), JR-DLs (n=247), OP questionnaires (n=224) and RP questionnaires (n=232). All rehabilitation physicians sent a JR-DL to the respective occupational physician on the day of discharge. OPs received the reports a median 2days after discharge. The content quality and relevance of the JR-DL for the reintegration process were rated high to moderate by more than 97.0% of the OPs; 92.3% of the patients received a recommendation to return to their previous workplace; 43.3 % returned with minor limitation; and the remaining 31.6% with a recommendation for individual reintegration; 74.0% of the workers returned to work within 3days of discharge. Use of the JR-DL for the improvement of communication and exchange of relevant information is feasible and supportive for both rehabilitation and occupational physicians. Its positive impact on reintegration and return to work was apparent. Delays in receipt of the JR-DL should be eliminated by appropriate quality assurance measures.