Article

Changes in the Swedish sickness insurance system shifts focus from
return-to-work to labour market reintegration. This article analyses Swedish
rehabilitation professionals' perspectives on how the changed regulations affect
practice, with a special focus on work ability assessments. METHODS: Two groups
of representatives (n = 15) from organizations involved in rehabilitation and
return-to-work met at seven occations. The groups worked with a tutor with a
problem-based approach to discuss how their practice is influenced by the changed
regulations. The material was analysed inductively using qualitative content
analysis. RESULTS: The new regulations require developed cooperation among
insurance, health care, employers and occupational health care; however, these
demands are not met in practice. In work ability assessments, several flaws
regarding competence and cooperation are identified. An increasing number of
people previously assessed as work disabled are required to participate in labour
market reintegration, which puts demands on professionals to engage in
motivational activities, although this is perceived as hopeless due to the
group's lack of employability. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility for employers to
sidestep their responsibility has increased with changed regulations. The overall
lack of cooperation between relevant actors and the lack of relevant competence
undermine the ambitions of activation and reintegration in the reform.

Langue : ANGLAIS