Communication between Dutch rheumatologists and occupational physicians in the occupational rehabilitation of patients with rheumatic diseases
article
Rheumatic diseases are a major cause of permanent work disability. In the process of occupational rehabilitation several health professionals may play a role. The aim of this study was to assess both the quality and the quantity of communication and co-operation between Dutch rheumatologists and occupational physicians. A postal survey among 187 Dutch rheumatologists was held. Of them 82% returned the questionnaire. Diminishing pain and fatigue was being considered as their major responsibility in the process of occupational rehabilitation, followed by improving work participation and quality of work. Although 73% of the rheumatologists judged the communication and co-operation with occupational physicians as reasonable to good, 78% of them stated to be willing to improve the collaboration. Perceived bottlenecks were a lack of clarity about the occupational physicians position and activities and the absence of practice guidelines. The most important prerequisites for improvement were found to be guarantees about the occupational physician’s professional independence and more clarity about the competence of the occupational physicians and the use of information provided.
Topics
TNO Identifier
276987
Source
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 61(1), pp. 62-65.
Collation
4 p.
Pages
62-65