Interprofessional Coordination for Return to Work of Patients with Low Back Pain: Challenges and Time Constraints

The process of returning to work for individuals with low back pain involves a complex interplay of various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, employers, and socio-political entities. This paper synthesizes existing literature to explore the benefits and limitations of interprofessional collaboration among general practitioners, occupational physicians, and social security physicians. Despite the recognized importance of coordinated management to prevent prolonged work disability, effective communication among these practitioners remains limited, with interaction rates ranging from 15% to 35%. Barriers such as time constraints, uncertainty about contact points, and legal restrictions are identified as significant obstacles. Additionally, the paper highlights social and cultural challenges, including mutual distrust and misaligned priorities, which contribute to the gap between recommended practices and real-world experiences.