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)
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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 |
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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 |
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