Abstract
BackgroundThe process of returning to work after long-term sick leave can sometimes be complex. Many factors, (e.g. cooperation between different authorities and the individual as well as individual factors such as health, emotional well-being and self-efficacy) may have an impact on an individual’s ability to work. The aim of this study was to investigate clients’ experiences with an individually tailored vocational rehabilitation, the Dirigo project, and encounters with professionals working on it. The Dirigo project was based on collaboration between rehabilitation authorities, individually tailored interventions and a motivational interviewing approach.MethodsA descriptive qualitative design was used with data collected through interviews. Fourteen individuals on long-term sick leave took part in individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analysed using content analysis.ResultsThe analysis showed overall positive experience of methods and encounters with professionals in a vocational rehabilitation project. The positive experiences were based on four key factors: 1. Opportunities for receiving various dimensions of support. 2. Good overall treatment by the professionals. 3. Satisfaction with the working methods of the project, and 4. Opportunities for personal development.ConclusionsThe main result showed that the clients had an overall positive experience of a vocational rehabilitation project and encounters with professionals who used motivational interviewing as a communication method. The overall positive experience indicated that their interactions with the different professionals may have affected their self-efficacy in general and in relation to transition to work. The knowledge is essential for the professionals working in the area of vocational rehabilitation. However, vocational rehabilitation interventions also need a societal approach to be able to offer clients opportunities for job training and real jobs.
Highlights
The process of returning to work after long-term sick leave can sometimes be complex
The main result showed that the clients had an overall positive experience of a vocational rehabilitation project and encounters with professionals who used motivational interviewing as a communication method
The overall positive experience indicated that their interactions with the different professionals may have affected their self-efficacy in general and in relation to transition to work
Summary
The process of returning to work after long-term sick leave can sometimes be complex. Longer durations of sick leave (≥60 days) increases the need for vocational rehabilitation [5], which are rehabilitation interventions aimed at facilitating return-to-work (RTW) [6]. The rehabilitation process for RTW can sometimes be complex and many factors can influence an individual’s work ability [7]. Factors linked to the individual (including physical, cognitive, affective and social domains) and elements in the environment, such as the workplace system (e.g., environment, organisation, work relations, work load), the healthcare system and the compensation system influence the disability, which must be taken into consideration by the authorities that partake in rehabilitation processes to facilitate RTW [8]
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