Healthcare professionals' perceptions of the contributions of rehabilitation coordinators to patients in Swedish psychiatric care : a qualitative descriptive study

• Background: Rehabilitation coordinators have gradually been introduced into Swedish psychiatric care to support individuals on sick leave to return-to-work or enter work.AimTo explore healthcare professionals' perspectives on the contributions a rehabilitation coordinator can make to patients in psychiatric care.Materials and methods: A descriptive qualitative design was used, and data were collected through interviews. Twelve healthcare professionals in psychiatric care participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: An overarching theme evolved: "The rehabilitation coordinator promotes security and reduces stress in the vocational rehabilitation process", based on two themes: (1) "Adaptations and support based on the patient's needs" and (2) "Rehabilitation coordinator efforts as relevant for care". The themes, in turn, consist of six subthemes.Conclusions: This study showed that healthcare professionals perceived employment as important for patients' health and well-being. Therefore, the rehabilitation coordination efforts were not only seen as beneficial for addressing patients' challenges and needs in managing the vocational rehabilitation process but also as an integral part of the patient's care.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Hälso- och sjukvårdsorganisation, hälsopolitik och hälsoekonomi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Mental disorders

Sick leave

Rehabilitation coordination

Return-to-work

Vocational rehabilitation

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)