title: What facilitates return to work? Patients' experiences 3 years after occupational rehabilitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We have limited knowledge about the specific elements in an occupational rehabilitation programme that facilitate the process leading to return to work (RTW) as perceived by the patients. The aim of the study was to explore individual experiences regarding contributing factors to a successful RTW, 3 years after a resident occupational rehabilitation programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study is based on interviews of 20 individuals who attended an occupational rehabilitation programme 3 years earlier. Ten informants had returned to work (RTW) and ten were receiving disability pension (DP). Data were analysed by systematic text condensation inspired by Giorgi's phenomenological analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The core categories describing a successful RTW process included positive encounters, increased self-understanding and support from the surroundings. While the informants on DP emphasized being seen, heard and taken seriously by the professionals, the RTW group highlighted being challenged to increase self-understanding that promoted new acting in every-day life. Being challenged on self-understanding implied increased awareness of own identity, values and resources. Support from the surroundings included support from peer participants, employer and social welfare system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Successful RTW processes seem to comprise positive encounters, opportunities for increased self-understanding and support from significant others. An explicit focus on topics like identity, own values and resources might improve the outcome of the rehabilitation process.
authors: Air-National Center in Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway. iv.haugli@air.no
authors: Liv
authors: L
authors: Haugli
authors: Silje
authors: S
authors: Maeland
authors: Liv H
authors: LH
authors: Magnussen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support