People on long-term sickness absence and their experiences and perceptions of professionals from the vocational and the health care sector: In this together?

People on long-term sickness absence in Denmark experience the help and support they receive from professionals as problematic. To understand these issues, this study, through interviews with eight interlocutors, investigated how people on long-term sickness absence perceive and experience professionals from both the vocational and health care sectors involved in their situation. Our study led to two main findings: Firstly, the roles of professionals often transcended their formal boundaries, with caseworkers frequently becoming involved in the sick absentees' health-related issues, and health care professionals frequently becoming involved in the sick absentees' vocational issues. Secondly, professionals from both sectors were perceived as enacting one of two positions: A "position of togetherness," where professionals were perceived as someone helping the sick absentee in managing their situation, and a "position of otherness," where the professionals were perceived as an additional uncertainty in the sick absentee's situation. These positions were situational and could change depending on the context and over time. The research highlights the importance of meaningful relationships between professionals and sick absentees, suggesting that fostering a position of togetherness can lead to better outcomes. We believe our findings can help professionals better understand and support people on sickness absence.