General Practitioners (GPs) have accepted Fit Notes implementation, but barriers remain, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has found.
The DWP has reported research with GPs examining their views on the Statement of Fitness for Work (fit note) and how they have influenced GPs' certification practice, and GPs' views on their role in sickness certification.
Positively, GPs use the fit note to justify why they have initiated discussion about work and to prompt questioning patients about their work-related capabilities.
They perceive fit notes as most effective for patients with conditions such as ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, mild-to-moderate mental health conditions, and musculoskeletal conditions.
Barriers to the use of fit notes include GPs' confidence in dealing with conflict and their perception that it could damage their relationship with their patients.
They are less confident in using particular options on the fit note, like the amended duties and workplace adaptations tick boxes.
GPs are also less likely to drive for a return to work if they perceive the patient's job to contribute to their health condition.
The research is part of a wider programme of research to evaluate the fit note, including research with employers.
