Return to work still possible after several years as a disability
pensioner due to musculoskeletal disorders: A population-based study after new
legislation in Sweden permitting "Resting disability pension"
Affiliations: Department of Health Sciences, Kristianstad
University, Kristianstad, Sweden Department of Health Sciences, Kristianstad
University, Kristianstad, Sweden | Central Office, Social Insurance Board of
Skåne, Kristianstad, Sweden | Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Central
Hospital, Kristianstad, Sweden | Department of Social Work, Lund University, Lund,
Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lena Edén, Department of Health
Sciences, Kristianstad University, SE-291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden. Tel.: +46 44
20 40 48; Fax: +46 44 20 40 43; E-mail: lena.eden@hv.hkr.se
Abstract: Different strategies have been used to stimulate a return to work
(RTW) among individuals suffering from long-term ailments. In Sweden a new law
on "resting disability pension" permits disability pensioners to go back to
work without jeopardising their benefits. In this study different variables
related to RTW during 2000 by means of this legislation were identified among
disability pensioners with musculoskeletal disorders. Individuals in the study
group, when compared to a control group, had more often been disability
pensioners for several years, had additional education, estimated their
previous job to have been physically strenuous to a lesser degree, were more
satisfied with the treatment at the social insurance office and had a more
positive self-image. This study shows that it may be meaningful to
continue/resume rehabilitation efforts and to try to motivate an individual
suffering from musculoskeletal disorders to return to work even after several
years as a disability pensioner.
Keywords: Disability pension, return to work, musculoskeletal disorders
