Musculoskeletal disease (MSD) remains one of the biggest causes of disability and sickness absence in the working population. As the working population ages, this is likely to continue. The occupational practitioner’s role is to reduce the impact of these problems for both employee and employer. This requires not only knowledge of the conditions, but also an understanding of the psychosocial factors underlying sickness absence and an evidence-based approach to rehabilitation. Patients generally do not have to be completely fit to commence, remain in, or return to work, and resuming work may be part of the rehabilitation process (see Chapter 4). Reasonable accommodations under the Equality Act 2010 may help overcome barriers to work to the benefit of workers and their employers (see Chapter 2). Flexible working and well-designed work environments may help retention and facilitate useful and safe work. In this context, fitness for work is a relative concept, dependent on suitable adjustments to the work environment.
The nurses' work process in different countries: an integrative review
