Bridging the gap: Work as a treatment goal in healthcare. An innovative approach at Radboudumc.

Abstract

The number of people with chronic conditions among (potential) workers is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. These individuals experience problems with study, work and income. Both study and work are important to patients and contribute significantly to quality of life. For this reason, attention to study and work has been integrated into regular care across a number of patient groups at Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc). Here, work is considered a treatment goal as part of the individuals care plan from diagnosis onwards. Work-oriented care takes shape through the training of nurse specialists, deployment of clinical occupational physicians and guidance to patients. An initial evaluation showed that patients and healthcare professionals believed that work-oriented care added value for both parties. As such, it is important for the future that work-oriented care is structurally embedded in the organization and financing of regular care.