Evaluation of a model to promote greater coordination between stakeholders during vocational rehabilitation for patients with musculoskeletal disorders or neurasthenia: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: In vocational rehabilitation, the employee’s own effort is important, and it is also vital for the various professionals involved in the rehabilitation process to have a shared understanding of the process. The degree of consultation and consensus between them plays an important role in enabling the employee to return to work. The aim of this study was to pilot test and evaluate a model for greater coordination between patients, rehabilitation centres, general practitioners and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. Materials and methods: Data was collected by individual interviews with patients and focus group interviews with stakeholders. Results: The coordination model gave everyone involved a joint reference point and a shared understanding of the goals for the rehabilitation process. The model also led to better coordination between The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration and the general practitioners. Conclusions: The coordination model may increase the likelihood of rehabilitation goals being reached. The patients felt that they were seen and listened to, and were able to help draw up their own goals in consultation with the other parties involved. This gave the patients a greater sense of ownership of the plan. Implementing this kind of model may give general practitioners a better foundation for following up patients when they return home after staying at a rehabilitation centre