Affiliations: Strömsund Health Centre, Jämtland County
Council, Strömsund, Sweden | Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University,
Östersund, Sweden | The Research and Development Unit, Jämtland County
Council, Östersund, Sweden | School of Human Sciences, Department of Health
Sciences, Kalmar University, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Rita Sjöström, Strömsund
Health Centre, SE-833 34 Strömsund, Sweden. Tel.: +46 670 16545; Fax: +46
670 16505; E-mail: rita.sjostrom@jll.se
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore
experiences of sick-listed persons of not returning to work during a six-year
period after participation in an extensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation
programme. Participants: The study comprised ten participants with
musculoskeletal disorders, mainly neck and back pain. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed by manifest content
analysis. Results: This led to identification of three primary categories
and six sub-categories, which described the participants' experiences of
barriers to and possibilities of returning to work, and indicated what
strategies they used to cope with everyday life. The participants described
that the main barriers to returning to work were pain and somatic symptoms,
fatigue, and not fulfilling the work requirements. Participants considered
physical activity a key factor in coping with pain. Most participants thought
that they had residual work ability, and could utilise this if they could get a
modified job adapted to their own capacity. Conclusions: Our study
highlights the importance of utilising residual working ability at workplaces.
Finding flexible work possibilities requires an understanding and supportive
attitude on the part of both the employer and the social insurance office.
Keywords: Chronic pain, content analysis, musculoskeletal disorders, obstacle, work rehabilitation
