Exploring future GP referral to Fit for Work

A new Fit for Work service (FFW, previously known as Health and Work Service) was established in 2014 to provide health and work advice and support for employees, employers and General Practitioners (GPs) to help people with a health condition to stay in or return to work.

The aim of this study was to provide an estimate of the likely rate of referral by GPs to the assessment element of the new service, and identify the factors affecting referrals. One of the main ways in which employees will be able to contact the new service is by being referred by their GP.

The research is based on data collected from fit notes issued by GPs in a selection of practices between the end of October 2013 and the end of January 2014, supplemented by additional information collected from the GPs involved.

A research summary has also been published which can be downloaded here.