Identification of UK sickness certification rates, standardised for age and sex

Identification of UK sickness certification rates, standardised for age and sex.

BACKGROUND There is growing interest in tackling the perceived 'sick note' culture in the UK. AIM The aim of this paper was to report the rates of sickness certification in a UK population, using sick certification rates as a precursor to addressing fitness for work. METHOD Electronic records from all 14 practices included in the Keele GP Research Network were reviewed; all sickness certifi...

Has the fit note reduced general practice sickness certification rates?

BACKGROUND In 2010, the fit note replaced the sick note to help focus on what people are capable of doing, rather than signing patients 'off sick'. AIMS To compare proportions of work-related ill-health issued with sickness certification pre- and post-fit note introduction and assess sickness absence trends. METHODS General practitioners (GPs) report data on work-related ill-health and sick...

Questions of sickness certification.

Has there been a change in the rates of UK sickness certification for back pain over time? An examination of historical data from 2000 to 2010

OBJECTIVES This paper aims to investigate historical patterns of sickness certification for back pain from 2000 to 2010. DESIGN Electronic medical records from 14 practices that are part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network: West Midlands were reviewed. All records for back pain consultations from 2000 to 2010 were downloaded and matched, by date, to ...

General practitioners and sickness certification for injury in Australia

BACKGROUND Strong evidence supports an early return to work after injury as a way to improve recovery. In Australia, General Practitioners (GPs) see about 96 % of injured workers, making them the main gatekeepers to workers' entitlements. Most people with compensable injuries in Australia are certified as "unfit to work" by their GP, with a minority of patients certified for modified work dutie...