The Capacity Note: a communication facilitator in the sick leave process of patients with common mental disorders – a qualitative study of user perceptions

OBJECTIVES: To describe the development of a communication facilitator, the Capacity Note, for the sick leave process of patients with common mental disorders (CMDs) in primary care, and to explore users’ perceptions of it. DESIGN: Qualitive study. SETTING: Primary healthcare in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The Capacity Note was developed inductively based on data from six qualitative studies of work capacity and CMD and was introduced at primary healthcare centres during 2018–2019. Individual semistructured interviews were performed with 13 informants (8 patients, 2 general practitioners and 3 managers) who had used the Capacity Note at least once. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim and inductive manifest qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The Capacity Note comprised questions about work situation, work capacity limitations and possible work adjustments. Based on the interviews, four categories relating to its role as a facilitator for communication about work and health were identified: content and format, understanding, legitimacy and action, openness and timing, and time and efficiency. The participants considered the Capacity Note relevant and easy to use, and as having the potential to improve communication about and understanding of the patient’s situation. The increased understanding was perceived as contributing to a sense of legitimacy and agency. Achieving these benefits required, according to the participants, openness, an investment of time and using the Capacity Note at the right time in the sick leave process. CONCLUSION: The Capacity Note was found to be relevant and as having, under the right conditions, the potential to improve communication and facilitate the sick leave process.