Communication between Dutch rheumatologists and occupational physicians in the occupational rehabilitation of patients with rheumatic diseases

Background: Rheumatic diseases are a major cause of permanent work disability. In the process of occupational rehabilitation several health professionals may have a role. Objective: To assess the quality and quantity of communication and cooperation between Dutch rheumatologists and occupational physicians. Methods: A postal survey among 187 Dutch rheumatologists. Results: 153/187 rheumatologists (82%) returned the questionnaire. They considered reducing pain and fatigue to be their major responsibility in the process of occupational rehabilitation, followed by improving work participation (68/153 (44%)) and quality of work (55/153 (36%)). Although 112/153 (73%) of the rheumatologists judged the communication and cooperation with occupational physicians as reasonable to good, 119/153 (78%) of them were willing to improve the collaboration. Perceived bottlenecks mentioned were a lack of clarity about the occupational physician's position and activities, and the absence of practice guidelines. The most important prerequisites for improvement were found to be guarantees about the occupational physician's professional independence and more clarity about the competence of the occupational physicians and how they used the information provided. Conclusion: Dutch rheumatologists are willing to improve cooperation and communication with occupational physicians, The perceived lack of clarity about their mutual tasks appears to be a major obstacle. Thus the development of a joint education programme and a guideline for occupational rehabilitation in rheumatic diseases may be appropriate first steps towards improvement.