title: Work-related health advice in primary care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The dangers of long-term sickness absence and worklessness are well recognized. In the UK, the occupational health (OH) community was challenged to seek new partners to support health in working age people. A National Health Service OH service and Leicestershire general practice set up a pilot clinic to provide work-related health advice in primary care.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To recruit 100 patients to an OH clinic in general practice and record their demographic characteristics, diagnoses and occupational outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre-booked 30 min appointments for work-related health consultations in general practice were offered over 12 months. Consultations were recorded electronically and questionnaire feedback invited 3-6 months later. The main outcome was subjective reporting of benefit and workplace adjustments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-six patients attended OH appointments in general practice, 86 were in employment: 49 on sick leave at the time of their consultation and 10 were workless. Mental health and musculoskeletal problems accounted for the most common diagnoses. Following their consultation, 29% of patients reported workplace adjustments which were beneficial to them. None of the workless reported a return to employment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients will access work-related health advice in primary care. Extended OH consultations by general practitioners can achieve positive self-reported outcomes for patients in employment.
authors.affiliation: The Orchard Practice, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire LE9 6RG, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beckley
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lees
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Collington
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Bono
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D006113:United Kingdom