Ss44-04 “We Are Not the Most Important Partner in This” - Using Intervention Mapping to Understand General Practitioners Stay-at-Work Practices in Patients With Musculoskeletal Pain

Introduction General practitioners (GPs) are key stakeholders in facilitation of continuous work participation for people with chronic health conditions. Little is known about how often work issues are discussed during GP consultations, what the content of the discussions is, or how GPs perceive this aspect of their work. This study aims to describe current stay-at-work practices among Danish GPs in relation to patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Materials and Methods We followed the principles of intervention mapping. Data were collected by means of systematic literature searches, three focus group interviews with GPs (10 participants in total), and intervention mapping meetings with stakeholders from the Danish labour market. Convergence of data was done using tables and by giving equal weight to findings from the data sources. Results GPs’ current stay-at-work practices were influenced by systemic, organisational, legislative, and personal factors, including knowledge and skills, recognition of the patient’s risk of long-term work disability, and their role as a GP. GPs described themselves as important partners and responsible for the diagnostic and holistic assessments of the patient but placed themselves on the side-line relying on others to act. The most important barriers relating to GPs’ stay-at-work practices were lack of financial incentives and unclear role distribution among stay-at-work stakeholders. Conclusions We identified various perspectives and barriers regarding the roles and responsibilities of GPs. Some, but not all barriers, can be addressed by targeting the GPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Other questions are left unanswered, among others - who are best suited to help patients staying at work?