I am a doctoral student in general practice, and my research focuses on the sickness certification process. In my thesis, I examine how assessments of work capacity are carried out, the considerations underlying these assessments, and how both physicians and patients experience the process. One aim is to highlight how the sickness certification process can become more person-centred, for example by paying attention to patients鈥� resources, work tasks, and opportunities for involvement.
The sickness certification process involves several actors. A well-functioning process relies on clear communication and collaboration between the patient, physician, employer, rehabilitation coordinator, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, and other relevant professionals such as psychologists and physiotherapists. The goal is to create optimal conditions for patients to regain work capacity and return to work.
Studies included in the thesis
鈥� Study I examined the reliability of physicians鈥� assessments of reduced work capacity and the recommended duration of sick leave. Questionnaire data were analysed quantitatively to identify variation at both the group and individual levels. The article was published in autumn 2025 in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care.
鈥� Study II explores physicians鈥� clinical reasoning when assessing work capacity. Data have been collected and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The manuscript is planned for submission in early 2026.
鈥� Study III will focus on the patient perspective in the sickness certification process. It is based on survey data from both patients and physicians, with a focus on participation, motivation, and perceived work capacity 鈥� including how patients are informed about the consequences of sick leave and how they are involved in assessments and planning.
鈥� Study IV will be based on focus group interviews with physicians and patients. The study builds on and deepens the findings from Studies I鈥揑II. The analysis will be conducted using thematic analysis.
I was admitted as a doctoral student in 2023. My principal supervisor is Professor Magnus Falk, and my co-supervisors are Elin Karlsson and Hanna Israelsson Larsen. I am part of the doctoral research school N盲ra V氓rd.
The sickness certification process involves several actors. A well-functioning process relies on clear communication and collaboration between the patient, physician, employer, rehabilitation coordinator, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, and other relevant professionals such as psychologists and physiotherapists. The goal is to create optimal conditions for patients to regain work capacity and return to work.
Studies included in the thesis
鈥� Study I examined the reliability of physicians鈥� assessments of reduced work capacity and the recommended duration of sick leave. Questionnaire data were analysed quantitatively to identify variation at both the group and individual levels. The article was published in autumn 2025 in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care.
鈥� Study II explores physicians鈥� clinical reasoning when assessing work capacity. Data have been collected and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The manuscript is planned for submission in early 2026.
鈥� Study III will focus on the patient perspective in the sickness certification process. It is based on survey data from both patients and physicians, with a focus on participation, motivation, and perceived work capacity 鈥� including how patients are informed about the consequences of sick leave and how they are involved in assessments and planning.
鈥� Study IV will be based on focus group interviews with physicians and patients. The study builds on and deepens the findings from Studies I鈥揑II. The analysis will be conducted using thematic analysis.
I was admitted as a doctoral student in 2023. My principal supervisor is Professor Magnus Falk, and my co-supervisors are Elin Karlsson and Hanna Israelsson Larsen. I am part of the doctoral research school N盲ra V氓rd.