Advising on Fitness for Work and Supporting Rehabilitation


Session Key Points

  • S.M.A.R.T.I.E.S and D.E.T.T.O.L. checklists can help you to quickly assess the impact of both health on work, and work on health
  • The fit note advises patients about what they can do rather than what they cannot do
  • The GP's advice to the patient has a significant impact on the way in which the fit note is used
  • Liaison with the employer (where appropriate) is key to effective rehabilitation and requires early intervention to identify the barriers and enablers to remaining in or returning to work
  • Unnecessary absence from work can lead to a number of negative outcomes