Returning to work after long term sickness absence due to low back pain - the struggle within: a qualitative study of the patient's experience

Ryan, C. G., Lauchlan, D., Rooney, L., Hollins Martins, C. and Gray, H. (2014) Returning to work after long term sickness absence due to low back pain - the struggle within: a qualitative study of the patient's experience. Work, 49(3), pp. 433-444. (doi: 10.3233/WOR-131646)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of work absence. Assisting individuals back into work is an important part of rehabilitation.<p></p> OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of individuals returning to work after an episode of sickness absence due to LBP.<p></p> PARTICIPANTS: Five women employed by a UK University who had returned to work.<p></p> METHOD: In this qualitative study, participants underwent semi-structured interviews about their experiences. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.<p></p> RESULTS: Two primary themes emerged 1) perceived pressure to return to work and 2) strategies employed to relieve the pressure to return. Pressure to return to work arose from a number of sources including guilt and a personal work ethic, internally, and from colleagues and management, externally. This pressure led to the individual employing a number of strategies to reduce it. These ranged from a simple denial of health concerns and decision to return to work regardless of their condition, to placing the responsibility of the decision not to return to work onto a significant other, such as a family member or health care professional.<p></p> CONCLUSIONS: Individuals returning to work with LBP experience considerable pressure to return and use a range of strategies to mediate that pressure.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gray, Dr Heather
• Authors: Ryan, C. G., Lauchlan, D., Rooney, L., Hollins Martins, C., and Gray, H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Work
• Publisher: IOS Press
• ISSN: 1051-9815
• ISSN (Online): 1875-9270