Sickness absentees' experiences of positive encounters by healthcare and sickness insurance professionals : an interview study

• We need more knowledge on factors that can promote retum to work (RTW) grounded on peoples' own views. One such factor of importance is the way absentees themselves experience their interactions with professionals. The purpose of the study was to identify and analyse sick-listed persons' experiences of positive encounters with professionals.An inductive and descriptive-qualitative approach was used to analyse transcripts from 11 semi-structured interviews with persons after or during long-term sickness absence. Being treated with respect, feeling supported, establishing a personal relationship, perceiving demands as well-balanced, and patiicipating in decisions regarding rehabilitation appeared as important qualities. Several interviewees believed that positive encounters might promote RTW.Further research is needed to elucidate the aspects of such interactions that enhance empowerment and self-confidence in persons on sick leave, in order to develop professional treatment strategies that facilitates for rehabilitation, and to favour collaborative work between and within group of professionals.

Nyckelord

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)