Coordinators in the return-to-work process: Mapping their work models.

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Rehabilitation science
• Healthcare management

Background:

• High rates of sickness absence and poor return-to-work collaboration necessitate interventions.
• Return-to-work coordinators (RTCs) are implemented to improve communication and support for individuals on sick leave.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the daily work practices and collaboration patterns of RTCs.
• To identify and characterize distinct work models employed by RTCs in Swedish healthcare settings (primary care, psychiatry, orthopaedics).

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was distributed to 82 RTCs in one Swedish region, achieving an 89% response rate.
• Data collected included patient selection, individual support, and collaboration strategies.
• Random forest classification analysis was used to identify and differentiate work models.

Main Results:

• Three distinct work models (A, B, and C) were identified among RTCs.
• Model A featured patient selection, more telephone contact, and moderate collaboration.
• Model B involved less patient selection, extensive collaboration, and face-to-face meetings.
• Model C was characterized by minimal patient selection, frequent telephone use, and limited collaboration.
• Model A was prevalent in primary care, Model C in orthopaedics, and Model B was evenly distributed between primary care and psychiatry.

Conclusions:

• The identified work models reflect different approaches to patient support and stakeholder collaboration.
• Variations in patient selection, collaboration intensity, and communication methods define these models.
• The distribution of models across clinical contexts suggests that organizational demands shape their practical implementation.