The troubled employee. Role of the medical department

Occupational medical departments are frequently called upon to deal with the troubled employee. Successful rehabilitation is significantly improved by early identification before significant work-related problems exist. Self-referral or diagnosis by the medical department staff are therefore the preferred means of detection. In that the medical conditions identified tend to be chronic, on-going follow-up of the troubled employee by the medical department is often indicated. In cases in which business-related issues have been identified, the occupational physician is often in a unique position to interact with both the treating physician and management to attempt rehabilitation and, where possible, selective job placement. Ethical dilemmas in handling information can be formidable, particularly when the interests of the troubled employee, management, and fellow workers diverge.