Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions of the Contributions of Rehabilitation Coordinators to Patients in Swedish Psychiatric Care: a Qualitative Descriptive Study

Overview

Journal BMC Psychiatry

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2024 Jun 12

PMID 38867196

Authors

Asa Andersen

Beatrice Carpentsier

Erik Berglund

Maria Carlsson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation coordinators have gradually been introduced into Swedish psychiatric care to support individuals on sick leave to return-to-work or enter work.

Aim: To explore healthcare professionals' perspectives on the contributions a rehabilitation coordinator can make to patients in psychiatric care.

Materials And Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was used, and data were collected through interviews. Twelve healthcare professionals in psychiatric care participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: An overarching theme evolved: "The rehabilitation coordinator promotes security and reduces stress in the vocational rehabilitation process", based on two themes: (1) "Adaptations and support based on the patient's needs" and (2) "Rehabilitation coordinator efforts as relevant for care". The themes, in turn, consist of six subthemes.

Conclusions: This study showed that healthcare professionals perceived employment as important for patients' health and well-being. Therefore, the rehabilitation coordination efforts were not only seen as beneficial for addressing patients' challenges and needs in managing the vocational rehabilitation process but also as an integral part of the patient's care.

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