Fit Note project
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Employees' journey through sickness absence: from certification back to work
IRAS ID
210747
Contact name
Maciej Dobras
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Changes to sickness certification were introduced with a view to facilitate return to work (RTW). In 2010 the sick note was replaced with a Fit Note. Although departure from the old statement was generally welcomed by the key stakeholders (GPs, employees and employers), previous research largely focused on GPs’ and employers’ experiences of the Fit Note. There is a paucity of studies that have explored the perspectives of ‘the certified’ and it is them (as transmitters of information between the GP and their employer) who play a pivotal role in the process. In fact, little is known about employees’ perspectives on communication with their GP and whether the new certificate does indeed facilitate RTW discussions with the employer. Of the studies that have explored employees’ perceptions of the Fit Note, the majority were conducted at a single time point and thus failed to cover the complete journey of an individual through the process of sickness absence. This study will aim to address this gap and seek to identify employees' perspectives on sickness certification and the actual use of the Fit Note during discussions with employers.
The research will be conducted among adults who have recently received a Fit Note and who are employed by a company. Data will be collected by means of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Participants will be recruited through selected GP practices in Lancashire and Cumbria.
The findings from this work will help gain a better understanding of employees’ perspectives on sickness certification, including on their communication with GPs and employers, and will inform the design of a prototype measure (tool) to support employees' use of the Fit Note.
The research is funded by the ARUK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work and findings from this study will make an important contribution to the work of the Centre.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EM/0262
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion