Work-related health advice in primary care

Background The dangers of long-term sickness absence and worklessness are well recognized. In the UK, the occupational health (OH) community was challenged to seek new partners to support health in working age people. A National Health Service OH service and Leicestershire general practice set up a pilot clinic to provide work-related health advice in primary care. Aims To recruit 100 patients to an OH clinic in general practice and record their demographic characteristics, diagnoses and occupational outcomes. Methods Pre-booked 30 min appointments for work-related health consultations in general practice were offered over 12 months. Consultations were recorded electronically and questionnaire feedback invited 3-6 months later. The main outcome was subjective reporting of benefit and workplace adjustments. Results Ninety-six patients attended OH appointments in general practice, 86 were in employment: 49 on sick leave at the time of their consultation and 10 were workless. Mental health and musculoskeletal problems accounted for the most common diagnoses. Following their consultation, 29% of patients reported workplace adjustments which were beneficial to them. None of the workless reported a return to employment. Conclusions Patients will access work-related health advice in primary care. Extended OH consultations by general practitioners can achieve positive self-reported outcomes for patients in employment.