Reforming the medical Statement
Fit Notes - 2010 Update on Implementation
Fit Notes- Who is running it?
- Health, Work and Wellbeing is a Government-led initiative to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of working age people.
- The introduction of a computer-generated 'fit note' to replace the current medical statement will help focus GPs' advice on what people can do rather than what they cannot.
- The new statement could also improve the flow of information between GPs, individuals and employers.
Fit Notes- Pilot Scheme
- Trial ran from Autumn 2008 through to Spring 2009 with GPs and companies in Swansea and Cardiff.
- Pilot tried to be a 'catch all' covering large and small practices and large and small organisations.
- In the event it was very small with 1GP in Cardiff and 3 in Swansea Taking part.
Fit Notes- results of the pilot
- Employers and employees were broadly positive about the idea of eMed3s, and found it a legible alternative to the paper- based note.
- Employers expressed some interest in receiving eMed3s electronically from GPs, and see this as a potentially more efficient way of managing sickness absence.
- Participating GPs found the eMed3 fairly simple and easy to use.
- Practice managers had a key role in the implementation of eMed3 in participating surgeries.
- The general picture from non-participating GPs was of reluctant cooperation if eMed3s were to be rolled out, reflecting their views about the sick note system in general. This finding is in keeping with previous research into GP attitudes on this topic.
Fit Notes- Key changes
- Fit notes can state people are fit for some work with adjustments from their employer.
- The note will define the adjustment and the required length of the change.
- The employer then decides in consultation with the employee if the adjustments are possible and either
- Agree to make them and for what length of time.or..
- Agree not to make them and next steps..These are.
- A. when the GP issuing the fit note needs to review the patient for a full return to work?
- B. the GP has already defined the date on which a normal return to work has been agreed.
