PATients' views of Health and WORK advice (PATcHWORK) study

A variety of health and work support (H&WS) services are available in the UK, yet little is known about patients' preferences for such support.

To develop an understanding of patients' preferences for H&WS, including the type of support desired, optimal setting, timing and mode of delivery, appropriate providers, integration with existing services and views on employers' receptiveness to H&WS information.

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited through existing research networks and professional societies following informed consent. Interview questions were developed in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen Epidemiology Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group. Interview responses were analysed using inductive and deductive reflexive thematic analysis.

Fifteen interviews were conducted with participants (11 females, 4 males; mean age 48.9 years), generating six overarching themes. Three themes related to 'health and work issues': disability discrimination, lack of H&WS awareness and trust concerns. Three themes identified key 'H&WS factors' for employment: flexible working, accessibility to support, and the importance of feeling valued and supported. Participants desired simplified yet holistic and flexible H&WS delivery. Key policy and practice considerations based on insights from this study include improving H&WS publicity through NHS websites and medical waiting areas, integration of work discussions into medical consultations and employer provision of evidence-based health promotion programmes and manager training.

This study provides valuable insights into patients' preferences about H&WS delivery, highlighting crucial factors for employers and national policymakers to consider, aligned with the recently published Mayfield report.