Guidance

Advising patients about work

Published 8 July 2013

© Crown copyright 2013

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This publication is available at /government/publications/advising-patients-about-work-evidence-based-approach-for-gps/advising-patients-about-work--2

1. GPs are in a unique position to provide patients with evidence-based advice about work

For most adults of working age, including people with disabilities and many common health problems, there is strong evidence1 that (return to) work:

  • promotes recovery and aids rehabilitation
  • improves physical and mental health and well-being
  • reduces social exclusion and poverty

2. The beneficial effects of work generally outweigh any risks of work

There is strong evidence[footnote 1] that long periods out of work can cause or contribute to:

  • higher consultation, medication consumption and hospital admission rates
  • 2 to 3 times increased risk of poor general health
  • 2 to 3 times increased risk of mental health problems
  • 20% excess mortality

3. The longer anyone is off work, the lower their chances of getting back to work.[footnote 2]

Sickness certification is a major clinical intervention with potentially serious long-term consequences.[footnote 3]

Two-thirds of sickness absence, long-term incapacity and ill-health retirement is now due to 바카라 사이트˜common health problems바카라 사이트™ 바카라 사이트“ mild/moderate mental health, musculoskeletal and cardio-respiratory conditions. Much of this should be preventable.[footnote 4]

Common health problems can often be accommodated at work, if necessary with appropriate adjustments and support.[footnote 5]

Planning and supporting return to work, in partnership with patients, are important parts of clinical management.

4. References

5. Resources for patients:

1. Health & Work 바카라 사이트“ a self-help booklet for patients

2. Off work sick and worried about your job? 바카라 사이트“ an HSE booklet for patients

  1. Waddell G, Burton AK. Is work good for your health and well-being? London: TSO, 2006. ↩

  2. The health and work handbook. Faculty of Occupational Medicine, Royal College of General Practitioners, Society of Occupational Medicine, London. ↩

  3. IB204: Medical evidence for statutory sick pay, statutory maternity pay and social security incapacity benefit purposes - a guide for registered medical practitioners ↩

  4. Waddell G, Aylward M. The scientific and conceptual basis of incapacity benefits. London: The Stationery Office, 2005. ↩

  5. Managing sickness absence and return to work: An employers바카라 사이트™ and managers바카라 사이트™ guide. London:HSE, 2004 ↩

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