Occupational Health Physicians and Rehabilitation - A Cross-sectional Study on Occupational Health Care in Schleswig-Holstein and Baden-Wurttemberg

Objective Description and explanation of involvement of occupational health physicians in rehabilitation Methods Data were collected by a survey of occupational health physicians in Schleswig-Holstein and Baden-Wurttemberg. Logistic regression models were calculated to identify determinants of the involvement of occupational health physicians before, during and after rehabilitation. Results During the last year 70 % of the occupational health physicians have supported at least one worker when applying for medical rehabilitation. About a half has had at least once contact to a rehabilitation facility during the rehabilitation treatment of an employee, and 9 out of 10 physicians have supported at least one employee after her or his rehabilitation when returning to work. Support by occupational health physicians is more likely when they feel responsible for rehabilitation, are well informed and frequently involved in occupational reintegration management. Conclusions Occupational health physicians may be important stakeholders for preparing and supporting rehabilitation.