An analysis of the communication during an enhanced and structured information exchange between social insurance physicians and occupational physicians in disability management in Belgium

Purpose. The overall objective of this study was to analyse the inter-physician communication during an intervention that aimed at enhancing and structuring the information exchange practices among Belgian social insurance physicians and occupational physicians. We aimed at determining: (i) the communication frequency; (ii) the communication content; and (iii) the type of patients for whom social insurance physicians want communication with occupational physicians.

Method. We analysed inter-physician information exchange data derived from communication forms. The communication forms were, during a two-year prospective intervention trial, exchanged between 15 social insurance and 40 occupational physicians for 505 sick-listed patients.

Results. Inter-physician communication was initiated for 52% of patients, mainly to execute work modifications. Communication was implemented particularly for patients that had mental disorders, poor decision latitude, high physical work demands at their workplace, pronounced pain perceptions, bad work resumption prognosis, or work-related health disorders.

Conclusion. A simple information exchange system already has the benefit to enhance inter-physician communication in disability management.