The return-to-work coordinator role: qualitative insights for nursing

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Workforce Management
• Nursing Studies

Background:

• Limited research exists on Return-to-Work (RTW) Coordinators' perspectives.
• Critical nursing workforce shortages necessitate effective RTW strategies.
• Understanding RTW Coordinator roles is vital for healthcare retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine barriers and facilitators for RTW Coordinators assisting injured nurses.
• Investigate influences of health sector and location on RTW coordination.
• Gain insights into RTW Coordinator professional backgrounds and practices.

Main Methods:

• Conducted five focus groups in metropolitan and rural NSW, Australia.
• Included 25 RTW Coordinators from 14 diverse health organizations.
• Participants represented various health sectors including aged care, disability, and hospitals.

Main Results:

• RTW Coordinator qualifications, backgrounds, and organizational roles analyzed.
• Key technical knowledge and personal qualities for effective RTW coordination identified.
• Collaborative case management style highlighted, alongside challenges like conflicts of interest.

Conclusions:

• RTW Coordinators possess diverse professional backgrounds impacting their role.
• Organizational structures significantly influence RTW coordination effectiveness.
• Interpersonal skills and collaborative case management are crucial for facilitating nurse RTW, potentially more than a healthcare background.