Question: As a GP are you confident in your understanding of work-related stress to be able to state on a Fit Note, what work-related stressors are contributing to your patients’ absenteeism?

Work related illness is a massive drain on the National Health Service with more than 1.8 million people absent from work because of work related ill health which costs £billions every year.  Of the 1.8 million a staggering 914,000 workers are reported to be suffering from work related stress, depression or anxiety. That is twice as many as those who are suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in the same period.

This 90 minute workshop will provide GPs with understanding to enable them differentiate between the work-related and life-related stress of their patient. The information they could provide for employers will potentially reduce the amount of time a person is absent from work due to stress.  Knowing how the workplace is contributing negatively to the mental health of an employee will allow the employer to put in place reasonable adjustment to provide a safer environment.

Course Content

• Overview of relevant legislation

• Stress at work – demands, control, support, relationships, role and change

• HSE Management standards 

• Providing a psychologically safe workplace – security, autonomy, fairness, esteem and trust

• Positive lifestyle choices that patients could adopt to reduce harmful or chronic stress

We all understand that the National Health Service cannot keep up with the demands placed upon it.  Organisations must put in place a management system that will eliminate or reduce the risk of harm at work for their workforce.  

Sick notes were replaced by fit notes in April 2010 where the new format contained two options; ‘unfit for work’ and ‘may be fit for work taking account of the following advice’.  Understanding if the demands of the job are unrealistic, there’s a lack of autonomy, uncertain support, work-relationship issues, conflicting roles or poor communication of change are causing harmful stress to your patient would give the employer the opportunity to follow your advice and encourage the employee back to work in a safe way. This way there is a potential to reduce the numbers of people suffering from work related stress.