Facilitating Return to Work through a Broader Perspective on Vocational Rehabilitation: Insights from Patients with Stress-Related Disorders.

Background: Exhaustion disorder (ED) is a prevalent cause of sick leave in Sweden, and support from employers appears to facilitate return to work (RTW). The aim of this study was to explore and highlight what patients diagnosed with ED thought would have been beneficial for their RTW, on the individual level, on the workplace level and at the organisational level.

Methods: Twenty patients were invited to participate in an interview conducted seven years after they sought care. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results: The analysis revealed an overarching theme "A need for a holistic view of the RTW process" and three main categories emerged: "The importance of a well-prepared organisation", "What characterises a good leader?" and "Meeting the needs of each employee". Important findings were that adjustments are warranted on an organisational level. Leadership qualities such as having a supportive approach and authority to make changes were highlighted. On an individual level, influence on their work situation and tailored adjustments was essential. For most patients change of work situation, such as change of workplace, work tasks and reduced working hours were necessary.

Conclusion: To facilitate RTW for patients with ED, it is essential to have a holistic approach that recognises necessary organisational changes, management support and individually tailored adjustments.