[Social medical guidance to achieve resumption of work: an outdated concept]

In the Netherlands there is a strict separation between the attending physician, i.e. the general practitioner, and the occupational physician. However, they are supposed to cooperate so that sick-listed patients will return to work earlier. It has now been demonstrated that this cooperation is far from sufficient and that all the expended effort has not led to an increase in patient satisfaction. It has to be admitted that the cooperation has failed. There is a strong need for adherence to guidelines, for quality audits and for scientific investigation in this sector.