Following the phone call Florence and Bob have a discussion about his input into this case.
Florence tells Bob how surprised she is that he didn’t have to do more. Bob explains that Paul has good self-management skills. On this occasion he needed advice and guidance which he was able to offer by telephone. Bob tells Florence about other sources of advice and support for return to work eg: Occupational Therapist (Vocational Rehabilitation), local employability services and Occupational Health. Paul will continue to self manage as he works towards his goals. Bob will contact him to see how he is getting on in a few weeks.
See Bob’s diary on the next page to see how Paul has got on.
How will I make it through a full day?
Go out to see Paul this week and provide him with a structured daily timetable and visit weekly till he returns to work (wrong)
Propose that he develops a clear structure to his day and that he gradually increases his activity levels (correct)
Feedback: Paul has skills to self manage he does not require increased input; just guidance and advice to help him manage this specific problem
Am I safe to be at work?
Advise Paul to seek a workplace assessment from either his employer’s occupational health or local vocational services (correct)
Write a letter for Paul to his manager stating that he is entitled to return to his post regardless of any health and safety issues (wrong)
Feedback: Paul needs directed to the most appropriate services to provide him with the correct information and support on returning to work
Are my skills up to date?
Identify some local night classes and recommend that he attends (wrong)
Recommend that he liaises with his manager about any significant advances in his area and what potential training he may require (correct)
Feedback: Training needs to be relevant to his post and should be identified in collaboration with his employer
How will I juggle my work and home life?
Encourage him to have an open family discussion about everybody’s roles at home and work out how they can all best support each other to make his return to work successful (correct)
Tell him that work is more important and not to worry about home life it will sort itself out (wrong)
Feedback: Paul will need family support for a successful return to work open communication in the family with clear roles identified should reduce the overall pressure and possible tension at home.
Page last reviewed: 18 Jan 2021
