Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders
Abstract Background Work resumption is a big challenge in the rehabilitation process for individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). To better meet the needs of individuals with WAD in their return to work process, more knowledge on their experiences and perspectives is needed. The aim of...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2021-04-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10821-w |
| _version_ | 1831588180899397632 |
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| author | A. Peolsson A. Hermansen G. Peterson E. Nilsing Strid |
| author_facet | A. Peolsson A. Hermansen G. Peterson E. Nilsing Strid |
| author_sort | A. Peolsson |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Work resumption is a big challenge in the rehabilitation process for individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). To better meet the needs of individuals with WAD in their return to work process, more knowledge on their experiences and perspectives is needed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of work ability and the work situation of individuals who participated in a neck-specific exercise programme for chronic WAD. Methods This qualitative study has an exploratory and descriptive design based on data collected through open-ended interviews with 17 individuals with chronic WAD. Data were analysed inductively using conventional content analysis. Results Analysis of the data yielded the following five categories related to the participants’ narratives on their experiences of work ability and their work situation: Return to work – a process of setbacks and bureaucracy; The need to be understood by health care professionals, and to receive a treatment plan; Individual resources are important for work ability; The consequences of reduced work ability; and Working conditions are important for work ability. Conclusion Individuals with chronic WAD often struggle to return to work. Emotional and practical support from stakeholders is imperative and needs to be strengthened. Participating in a neck-specific exercise programme, including being acknowledged and receiving information about WAD, could positively affect the work ability of WAD sufferers. This study has provided management strategies to improve the ability to work for individuals with chronic WAD, and highlights the need to incorporate a healthy and sustainable return to work in the rehabilitation of individuals with WAD, thereby making their return to work a success. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-17T22:09:33Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-95c29855b50f4a9f970122ffb9874a51 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-17T22:09:33Z |
| publishDate | 2021-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-95c29855b50f4a9f970122ffb9874a512022-12-21T21:30:47ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582021-04-0121111110.1186/s12889-021-10821-wReturn to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disordersA. Peolsson0A. Hermansen1G. Peterson2E. Nilsing Strid3Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Unit of Physiotherapy, Linköping UniversityDepartment of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Unit of Physiotherapy, Linköping UniversityDepartment of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Unit of Physiotherapy, Linköping UniversityUniversity Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro UniversityAbstract Background Work resumption is a big challenge in the rehabilitation process for individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). To better meet the needs of individuals with WAD in their return to work process, more knowledge on their experiences and perspectives is needed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of work ability and the work situation of individuals who participated in a neck-specific exercise programme for chronic WAD. Methods This qualitative study has an exploratory and descriptive design based on data collected through open-ended interviews with 17 individuals with chronic WAD. Data were analysed inductively using conventional content analysis. Results Analysis of the data yielded the following five categories related to the participants’ narratives on their experiences of work ability and their work situation: Return to work – a process of setbacks and bureaucracy; The need to be understood by health care professionals, and to receive a treatment plan; Individual resources are important for work ability; The consequences of reduced work ability; and Working conditions are important for work ability. Conclusion Individuals with chronic WAD often struggle to return to work. Emotional and practical support from stakeholders is imperative and needs to be strengthened. Participating in a neck-specific exercise programme, including being acknowledged and receiving information about WAD, could positively affect the work ability of WAD sufferers. This study has provided management strategies to improve the ability to work for individuals with chronic WAD, and highlights the need to incorporate a healthy and sustainable return to work in the rehabilitation of individuals with WAD, thereby making their return to work a success.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10821-wWhiplash injuriesNeck painOccupational healthReturn to workQualitative research |
| spellingShingle | A. Peolsson A. Hermansen G. Peterson E. Nilsing Strid Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders BMC Public Health Whiplash injuries Neck pain Occupational health Return to work Qualitative research |
| title | Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders |
| title_full | Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders |
| title_fullStr | Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders |
| title_full_unstemmed | Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders |
| title_short | Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders |
| title_sort | return to work a bumpy road a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorders |
| topic | Whiplash injuries Neck pain Occupational health Return to work Qualitative research |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10821-w |
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