Use of disablement resettlement officers by patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract

Objective: to define the use of disablement resettlement officers (DRO) by patients with locomotor disorders.

Design: questionnaire for patients with locomotor disorders potentially handicapping them from obtaining work.

Setting: outpatient clinics.

Patients: 52 patients, capable of work, aged 55 years or less, with a locomotor disorder; 19 had chronic arthritis and 18 back disorders. QUESTIONNAIRE: obtained details of diagnosis, work status, contact with DRO and results of referral.

Results: 21 had seen the DRO and three of these were dissatisfied; 15 were referred to the DRO and only three were placed in employment; 16 did not want referral to the DRO; overall 60% were unemployed.

Conclusions: Many patients are reluctant to see the DRO. Only a minority either attend or find work on referral. A modified system is needed to improve the employment prospects of patients with locomotor disorders.