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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 7/2019

Open Access 01-10-2019 | Original Article

Obtaining person-related information from employees with chronic health problems: a focus group study

Authors: Mariska de Wit, Haije Wind, Carel T. J. Hulshof, Angela G. E. M. de Boer

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 7/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this focus group study is to assess how occupational physicians (OPs) and insurance physicians (IPs) can best obtain information concerning person-related factors from employees. The research question was: what is the most effective way for OPs and IPs to obtain information concerning person-related factors, in the opinion of employees with chronic health problems?

Methods

Three focus group discussions were conducted comprising of a total of 23 employees with work limitations due to chronic health problems. Employees discussed how physicians could best obtain information related to ten person-related cognitions and perceptions that are associated with work participation. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed through qualitative content analysis.

Results

Employees indicated that information addressing person-related factors could best be obtained through discussing them directly during consultations, as opposed to the use of questionnaires or diaries. Important prerequisites to having fruitful conversations include a mutual trust between employee and physician, a sense of genuine physician interest, and the understanding of the physician of employees and their health concerns. Employees described various factors that influence these conversations, including the knowledge and communication skills of physicians, employee anxiety, and the atmosphere and time frame of the consultation.

Conclusions

Information concerning the person-related factors of employees can best be obtained by discussing them during consultations. However, there has to be mutual trust, interest and understanding before employees feel comfortable to talk about these factors with a physician. OPs and IPs should consider these, and other identified factors, when asking about person-related factors during consultations.
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Metadata
Title
Obtaining person-related information from employees with chronic health problems: a focus group study
Authors
Mariska de Wit
Haije Wind
Carel T. J. Hulshof
Angela G. E. M. de Boer
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 7/2019
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-019-01440-5

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