First Annual FORTHEM Conference FORTHEM - For the Future

Chronic illness and work (re)integration: stakeholders’ perspectives in Romania

6 Mar 2024, 16:05

15m

ONLINE

Oral presentation Physical and mental health in complex times of crisis, and economic and political instability Physical and mental health in complex times of crisis, and economic and political instability

Speaker

Adela Popa (Lucian Blaga UNiversity of Sibiu)

Description

Background. In the current demographic and social context, many people have longer working lives and are more likely to fall ill during them. However, a considerable proportion of people with chronic conditions choose to return to work after a period of temporary incapacity for work. The work reintegration process is complex and challenging and involves many stakeholders.
Aim. This presentation is part of an extensive study focused on the obstacles to the return to work of people with chronic conditions, potential enablers and collaboration between stakeholders involved in this process in Romania.
Methods. The study used desk analysis for understanding the policy context and a mixed methodology to collect data from four categories of social actors: online survey (n=325 workers) and interviews (22 with employers, 15 with health professionals and 11 with officials of non-governmental organizations).
Results. The paper presents both quantitative and qualitative results on barriers and facilitators of returning to work in the case of people diagnosed with chronic disease in Romania.
Conclusions. The study shows that the employer and health professionals have a critical role in assuring a good adjusting to work for people in this situation. Workplace adjustments are essential to facilitate return to work.