Exploring healthcare professionals’ views and experiences of having access to a rehabilitation coordinator in their work in psychiatric care: a qualitative descriptive study

BACKGROUND: In Sweden, rehabilitation coordinators (RCs) have been introduced into healthcare service to offer coordination and support to patients, with the aim of streamlining sick leave and rehabilitation processes and promoting patients' return-to-work (RTW)/entry into work. Before the introduction of RCs, there was no corresponding function with mainly this specific focus and responsibility. The present study explores healthcare professionals' (HCPs') views and experiences of having access to a RC within psychiatric care. METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study involved individual semi-structured interviews with 12 HCPs in psychiatric care. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two main themes were identified: "A specific function that improves the ability to focus on and support vocational rehabilitation" and "Uncertainty and confusion regarding roles and contributions within vocational rehabilitation". The introduction of a RC was viewed positively, enhancing the possibilities to focus on and offer patients coordination and vocational rehabilitation (VR) efforts. The HCPs felt they lacked both the time and knowledge to manage these tasks within their current work situation. By sharing knowledge, taking responsibility for, and coordinating the patients' VR process, the RC was seen as a valuable resource that contributed to better working situation for HCPs. However, the introduction of the RC also brought about uncertainty and confusion, particularly linked to the RC function and the role of HCPs within VR. CONCLUSIONS: The RC's focus and in-depth knowledge of VR addressed a gap within psychiatric healthcare units. This contributed to providing more extensive support in patients' VR processes and improved the working environment for HCPs. To minimise inequalities in patient care and support the implementation of the RC function within psychiatric care, it is essential to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both RCs and HCPs in patients' VR processes. The findings of this study may guide and support the implementation of RCs across various care units, potentially extending beyond psychiatric care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Register Platform (ID NCT03729050 November 2018).