HEALTH SERVICE MANAGERS’ NEEDS IN RELATION TO MANAGEMENT OF THE WORKER WITH LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Background: Current evidence emphasises the need for workplace managers to become more involved in the case management of the worker with low back pain (UK Guidelines , 2000).

Purpose: To establish health service managers’ needs in relation to the management of the worker with low back pain (LBP).

Methods: A self administered questionnaire was distributed to all departmental managers (n =63) at a major Irish teaching hospital. The questionnaire comprised of a series of quantitative and qualitative questions relating to aspects of management of the worker with LBP including facilitation of return to work and organisational support for managers.

Quantitative data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded and analysed using the qualitative data analysis approach of Miles and Huberman (1994).

Results: A response rate of 76% (n =48) was achieved. Of these 63%(n=30) had experience of managing LBP related sick leave among staff. Common themes which emerged from the qualitative data included lack of staff resources to accommodate return to work of a worker at less than full physical work capacity, lack of specific guidance from the occupational health department regarding expected work capacity of the worker with LBP and difficulty dealing with attitudes of colleagues towards the worker with LBP.

Conclusion: Strategies aimed at improving the management of the worker with LBP and facilitating earlier return to work need to give consideration to improving staff resources, provision of clear guidelines from occupational health departments and guidance for managers regarding ways of supporting both the worker with LBP and his/her colleagues.