Stakeholder perspectives on the new sickness certificate in Victoria: results from a mixed-methods qualitative study

OBJECTIVE; The aim ofthis study was to present the views of four stakeholder groups, namely general practitioners (GP), employers (EMP), injured workers (IW) and compensation agents (CA), about the content and usability of the draft of the new Victorian sickness certificate.

A cross-sectional mixed-methods qualitative study was conducted in GP clinics and community settings in Melbourne, Australia. Interviews were conducted with GPs, EMPs and IWs and one focus group discussion was completed with CAs (n = 29). Data were collected between October and December 2013. Thematic analysis was performed.

All stakeholders viewed the new draft certificate as an improvement on the old one. GPs saw the certificate as a form of communication, whereas EMPs and CAs saw it as a therapeutic device. GPs continued to certify based on incapacity and provided little information about what IWs could do on return to work. All groups said that assessments for mental health needed more clarity and specificity. GPs, EMPs and CAs also said that the new certificates must be electronically available and integrated into existing medical software to streamline uptake.

To ensure appropriate use of the new certificate, stakeholders must share a common understanding about its purpose and the certificate must be incorporated into existing medical software. Content on mental health assessment, an area of continued difficulty, needs additional refinement. The new certificate replaced the old certificate in March 2015; after it has been established in clinical practice, an impact evaluation should be completed to determine whether GPs are certifying capacity and earlier return to work.