Current practices, needs, and expectations of discussing work with a medical specialist from a patient’s perspective: a qualitative study

Attention to paid work in clinical health care—clinical work-integrating care (CWIC)—might be beneficial for patients of working age. However, the perceptions and expectations of patients about CWIC are unknown. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of current practices, needs, and expectations among patients for discussing work with a medical specialist. A qualitative study was undertaken involving patients with diverse medical conditions (n = 33). Eight online synchronous focus groups were held. A thematic analysis was then performed. Three themes emerged from the data: (1) the process of becoming a patient while wanting to work again, (2) different needs for different patients, (3) patients’ expectations of CWIC. We identified three different overarching categories of work-concerns: (a) the impact of work on disease, (b) the impact of disease or treatment on work ability, and (c) concerns when work ability remained decreased. For each category of concerns, patients expected medical specialists to perform differing roles. Patients indicated that they need support for work-related concerns from their medical specialists and/or other professionals. Currently, not all work concerns received the requested attention, leaving a portion of the patients with unmet needs regarding CWIC. Patients have a wide range of questions regarding work and health, which they want to discuss with their medical specialistIn current clinical practice, not all work concerns get the requested attention, leaving some patients with unmet needsCooperation with different health care professionals, including rehabilitation occupational health care, might aid in supporting patients with their work-related questions Patients have a wide range of questions regarding work and health, which they want to discuss with their medical specialist In current clinical practice, not all work concerns get the requested attention, leaving some patients with unmet needs Cooperation with different health care professionals, including rehabilitation occupational health care, might aid in supporting patients with their work-related questions