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Experiences with a brief functional evaluation for employees with musculoskeletal disorders as perceived by the employees and their supervisors

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore employees’ and supervisors’ experiences with a brief functional evaluation for employees with musculoskeletal disorders on short-term sick leave or working despite complaints. Health-care workers in Bergen municipality, Norway, underwent a functional evaluation in 2012–2013. Four weeks later, they returned a short questionnaire about its usefulness. Focus group interviews were also conducted: three with employees (11 participants) and five with their supervisors (26 participants). We analysed questionnaire data using descriptive statistics, and the interviews using systematic text condensation. In total, 144 employees (92% women) completed the questionnaire, and about 70% of the employees found the evaluation useful. Three main themes about its usefulness emerged from the qualitative data: clarification and raising awareness; the functional evaluation report as a tool for communication; and increased knowledge – altered behaviour. In conclusion, both employees and supervisors found the brief functional evaluation tool useful in clarifying the employees’ functional level and in obtaining advice to improve employees’ health and work functioning. The report helped the employees to communicate their problems to supervisors and doctors, and was helpful to the supervisors when planning support and modified work tasks.