Engaging public and patients to develop a website to assist people to remain in or return to work
Published Date: 01st May 2020
Publication Authors: Sephton R, Bannon C, Cunneely M, Poole A
Purpose
Musculoskeletal conditions are the second biggest cause of absenteeism in the UK representing 28.2 million working days lost per annum. Current literature suggests that work issues are generally insufficiently addressed in primary healthcare and there is little evidence that evaluates any existing workplace interventions in this setting. To address this issue locally, North West Boroughs Healthcare Physiotherapy Service is developing a new work and health pathway,'Work Wise', to assist patients to remain in or return to work. An element of the pathway is the development of a website to provide accessible supportive resources and signposting material. To inform website design and content we have undertaken extensive engagement with patients, public and employers and we wish to present our findings to assist the development of other initiatives in this important area.
Method(s)
A variety of platforms were used to collect a range of feedback including surveys, focus groups and individual interviews. Two separate surveys were launched and ran for 4 weeks, one aimed at patients and public, the second aimed at employers. Surveys were promoted on social media, local press and via local organisations. To engage with employers, the local council business liaison manager publicised our survey to local employers. Focus groups, individual interviews and staff engagement added more in depth views, opinions and lived experience. This feedback was then triangulated and themed to inform website development.
Result(s)
In March 2019 we collated 200 patient and public surveys, 14 employer surveys, carried out 2 focus groups and 1 in-depth interview with a patient insight partner. The results were analysed and collated into 6 main themes. These were; advice on workplace assessment and equipment; discussion of MSK conditions with managers and colleagues; work based exercises and self-help guidance to remain in work or return to work; reasonable adjustments in work; managing stress and the emotional impact of pain and signposting to other services and organisations. These themes were used as the topic areas for the website content.
Conclusion(s)
Digital resources are an essential component in healthcare. Collaborating with patients is vital in development of such resources to ensure they are an effective adjunct to patient care. Work Wise supports the NHS long term plan to improve digital health tools. The feedback demonstrates that patients, staff and employers view this as a valuable resource to assist in the management of musculoskeletal conditions that are affecting people at work and that they would be happy to access this information digitally.
Implications
Extensive patient engagement has informed the content of the website and will help with other websites designed to assist people with musculoskeletal conditions who are having work related issues. Engagement is important to ensure the website content is relevant to users and that information is delivered in a way that maximises its impact on the people accessing it. By accessing this resource early it is possible that patients will be more likely to stay in work, or make a more timely return to work with a musculoskeletal condition.
Sephton, R; Bannon, C; Cunneely, M; Poole, A. (2020). Engaging public and patients to develop a website to assist people to remain in or return to work. Physiotherapy. 107 (Suppl 1), E2