Returning to work for individuals with health problems: Experiences in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
In 1999, the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) created the Worker Health Care Service with the purpose to implement health promotion and health protection policies in the workplace. This service supported workers with impairments and resulted from health proposals by a Professional Counseling Outplacement Program. The objectives of this study were to describe the demographic and impairment-related characteristics of workers and to evaluate their outcomes.


METHODS
Quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data analyses. First, a questionnaire was developed for collection of quantitative data. Secondly, in-depth interviews evaluated the perceptions of workers, supervisors and workmates concerning the program.


RESULTS
Of the 78 workers who attended the Outplacement Program, 65 (83%) were considered effective and capable of working, and 13 (17%) were retired. A sample of 38 workers took part in this study and 21 (76%) developed osteomuscular disease. Most returned to previous professional activities, after concluding the program. However, 27 individuals (71%) returned to work with job restrictions. Important constructs emerged from the interviews performed with workers, their supervisors and colleagues, regarding the lack of routine procedures of university policies, exceeding the tasks required in the work environment, and decreases of the workers' roles in the presence of limiting health conditions. The findings led to a redefinition of the role of individuals involved in the Professional Counseling Outplacement Program.


CONCLUSIONS
These results may contribute to the development of a new professional rehabilitation policy in educational institutions in Brazil.
Sampaio
Rosana Ferreira
RF
Federal University of Minas Gerais, Barrio:Luxemborgo, Brazil. sampaiorosana@dedalus.lcc.ufmg.br
Viana
Sabrina Oliveira
SO
Alves
Gisele Beatriz Oliveira
GB
Mancini
Marisa Cotta
MC
Silveira
Andréa Maria
AM
Salmela
John Henry
JH
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012059:Rejection, Psychology; D012380:Role; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D016526:Workload