Background & Aims
Chronic pain is a public health issue affecting one fifth of the population [1,2] and is a leading cause of years lived with disability (YLD) [3]. It brings great suffering [4] and significantly affects both physical and psychological well-being [5], family life as well as social relationships [6]. Chronic pain also interferes with the ability to work [7,8] and persons being on sick leave often struggle with returning to work (RTW) despite interdisciplinary interventions [9]. The societal expenses associated with chronic pain are extensive, primarily due to the costs of work absenteeism [10-12]. Increased understanding of the meaning of different stakeholder support during RTW is essential to appreciate the needs and facilitate re-integration into the workforce. Therefore, this study aims to describe and interpret the meaning of support during RTW for persons on sick leave due to chronic pain.
Methods
A qualitative design was chosen in order to explore the participants experiences, as it can discover and expose important aspects that are inaccessible through other approaches [13]. Fourteen semi-structured in-depth interviews was carried out with participants with experiences of sick leave due to chronic pain. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The collected data were analyzed using phenomenological hermeneutics, a method aimed at understanding the meaning of participants’ lived experiences through interpretation of their narratives [14].
Results
Have my back as I get back to work was identified as the theme of the analysis, along with six sub-themes; Feeling safe to expose oneself; Being recognized as an asset; Being trusted to take command; Accessing competent and dependable care; Battling for flexibility to move at your own pace and Being supported in transitioning towards a sustainable future.
In summary, being able to work was important for the participants, but RTW was experienced as a lonely and tiring battle for acknowledgement, justice and understanding. The interactions and supportive actions involving the different stakeholders in the process were often experienced as fragmentized and inflexible. In contrast, participants with access to collaborative support involving competent care, recognition and the possibility to influence the workplace felt valuable and capable as persons and workers. Most importantly, they were provided conditions allowing a successful re-entry into the workplace.
Conclusions
Our findings provide a greater understanding of the struggles for stakeholder support when re-entering the workplace after being on sick leave due to chronic pain. Through an inclusive and collaborative approach involving stakeholders, including employers and colleagues, the social insurance system and the healthcare system, a person with chronic pain can feel supported in developing and cultivating the capabilities necessary to manage life and re-engage with work.
References
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Presenting Author
Åse Lundin
Poster Authors
Åse Lundin
MSc
University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy
Lead Author
Paulin Andréll
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Lead Author
Inger Ekman
Senior Professor / RN
Institute of Health and Care Sciences
Lead Author
Sara Wallström
PhD / RN
Lead Author
Mari Lundberg
Professor / RPT
Department of Health Promoting Science
Lead Author
Topics
- Other