Actions of the organization physician or nurse

Occupational health and safety physician/nurse in the organization *

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of these elements may also be handled by other healthcare professionals, such as rehabilitation professionals. Of course, this sharing of actions depends on the acts reserved for the various professionals in your part of the world.

 

Steps in the RTW process

Time off and recovery period

1. Get acquainted with the file of the worker who is recently gone on sick leave.

2. Make sure that the worker’s medical assessments have been carried out.

3. † Understand the worker’s situation (e.g., symptoms, triggers), identify any conflict that may come from the organizational environment and participate in the search for solutions towards a healthier work environment and better work relationships.

First contact with the worker by the workplace

4. Contact the worker to explain the advisory role of internal or external health professionals (e.g., consulting a specialist) to the organization.

Evaluation of the worker (abilities) and his/her work (job demands)

5. Assess the worker’s clinical symptoms and functional limitations.

6. Identify barriers to RTW perceived by the worker.

7. Monitor therapeutic and organizational interventions offered to the worker (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy, job change).

8. Inform the family physician of any obstacles to the worker’s recovery process (e.g., deterioration of the worker’s condition, adjustment of the required medication dosage).

Development of a RTW plan with workplace accommodations

9. Examine the worker’s work accommodation needs, based on an assessment of the potential barriers to returning to work perceived by the worker.

10. Discuss with the worker possible adjustments and modalities for returning to work.

11. Participate in RTW preparation meetings with the worker and the other stakeholders involved.

12. Assess the worker before his/her first day back at work.

Work resumption (day 1)

Not applicable

Follow-up of the RTW

13. Ensure compliance with the RTW plan and propose adjustments if necessary (work accommodations).

14. Encourage the worker to develop workplace coping strategies while considering his/her health status.

15. Continue therapeutic follow-ups with the worker for at least the first 3 months after his/her RTW. Beyond that period, remain available depending on the worker’s needs.

Information adapted from Corbière et al. (2020).

* In Quebec, clinical nurses and nurse practitioners share certain actions with physicians. They can therefore take charge of some of these elements.

† Applies more specifically to workers with a common mental disorder.