Encouraging encounters: sick-listed persons' experiences of interactions with rehabilitation professionals

Long-term sickness-absence has increased in many countries and more knowledge is warranted on factors that can promote return-to- work (RTW). Interactions with professionals might be one such factor and especially experiences of positive encounters. The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze sick-listed persons' experiences of positive encounters with professionals within social insurance and healthcare. An inductive and descriptive qualitative approach was used to analyze transcripts from 11 semi-structured interviews with persons with experience of long-term sickness absence. The following five categories of qualities of encounters were found to be of importance: being treated with respect, feeling supported, establishing a personal relationship, perceiving demands as well-balanced, and participating in decisions regarding rehabilitation measures. Several interviewees expressed the opinion that positive encounters with professionals can promote RTW. Further research is needed to elucidate the aspects of interactions that enhance empowerment and self-confidence in persons on sick leave, in order to develop professional treatment strategies that facilitate RTW.