Annika Öst Nilsson1,2, Gunilla Eriksson1,3, Eric Asaba1,4,5, Ulla Johansson2, Therese Hellman6. 1. Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. 2. Centre for Research & Development, Uppsala University/Region of Gävleborg, Gävle, Sweden. 3. Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. 4. Unit for Research, Education and Development, Stockholm Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden. 5. Department of Healthcare Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan. 6. Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract
Background: The process of return to work is complex. Knowledge is scarce regarding the experiences from co-workers and employers about this process.Aim: To explore and describe how co-workers and managers experience the return to work process involving a colleague with stroke who is participating in a person-centred rehabilitation programme focusing on return to work including a work trial.Material and methods: Seven co-workers and four managers were interviewed during the work trial of a colleague with stroke. Results: Being a co-worker or manager was related to various challenging experiences; the emotional challenge of being a supportive co-worker or manager, the challenging experience of having too much responsibility, and the challenge of being supportive despite a lack of knowledge.Conclusions: The participants placed value on having support from the coordinator for handling different challenges, but despite this they experienced difficulties in being a valuable support. The limited time of work trial and occasional lack of support from the employer were aggravating aspects.Significance: This study highlights the importance of establishing a commitment between the employer and all involved actors in the initial phase in order to create the best possibilities for a fruitful return to work process, including work trial.
Background: The process of return to work is complex. Knowledge is scarce regarding the experiences from co-workers and employers about this process.Aim: To explore and describe how co-workers and managers experience the return to work process involving a colleague with stroke who is participating in a person-centred rehabilitation programme focusing on return to work including a work trial.Material and methods: Seven co-workers and four managers were interviewed during the work trial of a colleague with stroke. Results: Being a co-worker or manager was related to various challenging experiences; the emotional challenge of being a supportive co-worker or manager, the challenging experience of having too much responsibility, and the challenge of being supportive despite a lack of knowledge.Conclusions: The participants placed value on having support from the coordinator for handling different challenges, but despite this they experienced difficulties in being a valuable support. The limited time of work trial and occasional lack of support from the employer were aggravating aspects.Significance: This study highlights the importance of establishing a commitment between the employer and all involved actors in the initial phase in order to create the best possibilities for a fruitful return to work process, including work trial.