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Department for Work and Pensions
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GPs reconsider advice to patients on sick leave
A new survey of 1500 GPs has found that two-thirds (64%) are unaware of the evidence that work is beneficial for physical and mental health. However, nearly 90% said that if they knew of this evidence it would affect the advice they give to their patients.
The survey, carried out by Doctors.Net on behalf of the DWP, was revealed by Lord McKenzie today at a British Medical Association Conference which brought together 100 leading doctors to discuss the growing medical evidence that work is good for people's health.
Evidence published last year conclusively found that being in work can help people with a health condition to get better; and returning to work from unemployment improves health. Work can be intrinsic to health and wellbeing, boosting self-esteem and quality of life.
In his speech Lord McKenzie recognised the wide-ranging impact of the growing evidence. He said:
"Sometimes new findings don't just change medical practice - they challenge the very thinking and assumptions at the heart of our culture and society. They question the behaviour and attitudes of every individual, every organisation and every employer in the country. And they challenge the approach of Government too.
"The recognition that there is evidence that work is good for people's health is, I believe, that powerful. Because it means staying in work or returning to work could actually be part of the solution to ill-health - no longer be seen as part of the problem.
"Obstacles often arise from myths and misunderstandings. Doctors' advice can have a powerful impact - for good or harm. Wrong words can reinforce or even create myths. Challenging patients' misconceptions and providing evidence-based advice is an effective way of overcoming these barriers.
"But all of us - whether Government, employers, the medical profession or even individuals themselves - must consider how we can go further in responding to the evidence of the links between health and work if we are to meet the challenges of tackling ill-health in the working age population."
Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain and Health Secretary Alan Johnson have asked Dame Carol Black, the Government's first National Director for Health and Work, to carry out an extensive review of the health of the working age population. Dame Carol is launching her review with a Call for Evidence later this month - and is due to report in early 2008.
As part of its Health, Work and Well-being Strategy, the government has developed a series of initiatives to support and educate healthcare professionals on the health risks of unemployment, the consequences of signing people off long-term sick, and how they can help patients stay in or return to work. Today Lord McKenzie launched a new leaflet for GPs which highlights key findings of evidence to date, and will help doctors and other healthcare professionals dispel myths and offer practical support for their day-to-day dealings with patients. Other initiatives include an online training tool for GPs to assist in difficult consultations with patients on remaining in or returning to work.
Notes to editors
1. Lord McKenzie was at the BMA conference "Work, good for your Patient's Health and Wellbeing" on Wednesday 5th September at BMA House in Tavistock Square, London.
2. A PDF of the GP leaflet can be obtained from the press office (contact details below).
3. The independent review Is Work Good for your Health and Well-being? reviewed more than 400 items of scientific evidence. The authors, Gordon Waddell and Kim Burton, were commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions to conduct this independent review of scientific evidence. The press notice is here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/2006/sep/cphs040-060906.pdf
4. The Health Work and Well-being strategy was launched in October 2005 and is led by Dame Carol Black, the National Director for Health and Work. The strategy is a groundbreaking partnership between Government (Department for Work and Pensions, Department of Health and the Health and Safety Executive), the Scottish Government and Welsh Assembly, employers and healthcare professionals. Its main themes are engaging stakeholders, improving working lives and healthcare for working age people.
Website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk
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