P-607 Work Rehabilitation Professionals’ Perspectives on Specific Issues and Needs of Workers Aged 55 or Over Involved in a Rehabilitation Process: A Descriptive Study

Introduction Work disability affects a growing number of workers aged 55 or over (W55+), but little is known about the challenges they face. This study aims to describe the perceived needs of work rehabilitation professionals in order to improve services offered to W55+. Methods This study used a descriptive design with purposive sampling. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists were recruited in various workplaces. Qualitative interviews based on the work disability paradigm were conducted and transcribed, and a thematic analysis was performed. Results Sixteen (16) participants (average age 38 years) were interviewed, with near equal representation across men and women, as well as disciplines. The participants identified issues related to the workers themselves (e.g. less capacity to meet the work demands, mitigated engagement), the workplace (e.g. lack of recognition and support) and the insurer (e.g. lack of flexibility in certain rules). They also described how problems of communication with other stakeholders hinder interventions. Five actions aiming to (1) better equip health professionals for interventions with W55+; (2) facilitate communications; (3) support coordination; (4) raise awareness about specific issues and needs of these workers, and (5) promote integrated prevention management in workplaces are proposed to address these concerns. Discussion The results reveal close interactions between systems, and hence the need for action across them. Conclusion Perspectives of employers, insurers and workers need to be documented in order to identify and prioritize the needs to be addressed and actions to be taken to better support the return to work of W55+.