General practitioners' stay-at-work practices in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: using Intervention Mapping...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• General Practice
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in managing patients with musculoskeletal disorders and facilitating their return to work.
• Current stay-at-work practices among GPs are influenced by a complex interplay of systemic, organizational, legislative, and personal factors.
• Understanding these influences is key to improving support for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe current stay-at-work practices of Danish GPs for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
• To identify areas for improvement in these practices.
• To propose a targeted training program for GPs to enhance stay-at-work support.

Main Methods:

• The study employed the principles of Intervention Mapping.
• Data collection involved comprehensive literature searches.
• Focus group interviews with GPs and engagement with Danish labor market stakeholders provided key insights.

Main Results:

• GPs' stay-at-work practices are shaped by systemic, organizational, and legislative factors, alongside personal determinants like knowledge and perceived roles.
• While GPs recognize their importance in diagnostic and holistic patient assessment, they often defer action to patients or workplace stakeholders.
• Influences stem from patients, employers, and other stakeholders, highlighting a collaborative challenge.

Conclusions:

• Varied perspectives on GP roles and responsibilities, alongside legislative and organizational barriers, were identified.
• A training program incorporating practical tools and behavior change techniques is proposed for GPs.
• Further research is needed to clarify optimal support structures for patients aiming to stay at work.