Completion of fit notes by GPs: a mixed methods study

Coole, Carol; Nouri, Fiona; Potgieter, Iskra; Drummond, Avril E.R.

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the completion of fit notes by UK general practitioners (GPs). A series of actual fit notes issued to employed patients were examined, and their GPs’ reflections and experiences of fit note completion explored.

Methods: A mixed-methods design was used. Data were collected from copies of 94 fit notes issued to employed patients by 11 GPs, and from 86 questionnaires completed by these GPs reflecting on the fit notes they had issued. Face-to-face interviews were then conducted with each GP.

Results: Fit note completion is not meeting expectations for a number of reasons. These include the following: limited knowledge and awareness of the guidance in fit note completion; problems with the fit note format; lack of mandatory training in completing fit notes; lack of incentive to change practice; incomplete implementation of the electronic fit note; GPs’ lack of confidence in, and doubts about the appropriateness of performing this role.

Conclusion: If UK GPs are to continue their contractual responsibility for completing fit notes, further consideration of their education and training needs is urgently required. Weaknesses in the design and format of the fit note and the availability of the electronic version also need to be addressed.

Citation

Coole, C., Nouri, F., Potgieter, I., & Drummond, A. E. (2015). Completion of fit notes by GPs: a mixed methods study. Perspectives in Public Health, 135(5), https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913915594197

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 17, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jul 20, 2015
• Publication Date: Sep 9, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jul 27, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 27, 2016
• Journal: Perspectives in Public Health
• Print ISSN: 1757-9139
• Electronic ISSN: 1757-9147
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 135
• Issue: 5
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913915594197
• Keywords: General practitioner, Employees, Fit note, Sickness certification
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/761640
• Publisher URL: http://rsh.sagepub.com/content/135/5/233
• Additional Information: Copyright 2016 by Royal Society for Public Health