Psychologists authorizing sick leave – Potential opportunities and challenges

Abstract

This study was intended to contribute to an evaluation of a Norwegian pilot project, in which psychologists have been given the right to authorize sick leave for their patients. We wanted to explore the opportunities and challenges involved in utilizing the potential of this new sick leave arrangement from the perspectives of practicing psychologists. In this way, we indirectly intended to provide insights into the potential of the new arrangement to reduce absenteeism and promote the adjustment of working conditions for patients with mental health problems. Ten psychologists were interviewed about their experiences, and asked to give their views of the ways in which the new arrangement affected their everyday working conditions and their methods of dealing with the working conditions of their patients. The interviews were transcribed and template analysis was adopted. The analysis showed that psychologists believed that the new arrangement would improve their focus and accountability with regard to work-related issues, something which could in turn improve the therapeutic process and increase the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes. However, they also reported some structural barriers in the general health care system which prevent them from achieving the full potential of the new arrangement. Furthermore, according to these psychologists, there are also some unfortunate side-effects to the new arrangements, such as role conflicts, which potentially divert attention from actual treatment.