The role of disease-generic symptoms in sick leave, return-to-work and work disability evaluation

Friso Muntinghe, Dr. Manon Ziech, Dr. Nicole Snippen, Dr. Tialda Hoekstra, Prof. dr. Corné Roelen, Prof. dr. Sandra Brouwer.

Background

Generic symptoms are symptoms not linked to a specific disease or condition but occur across multiple illnesses. Previous research has shown that generic symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and concentration problems have a significant impact on the course of sick leave and disability.

In both occupational and insurance medicine, the importance of generic symptoms is now widely recognized. Knowledge about these symptoms provides opportunities for (early) detection, guidance, treatment, and assessment of employees and unemployed workers with chronic illnesses.

Research Objective

This project aims to improve the embedment of generic symptoms in occupational and insurance medical practice by establishing a structural and uniform way in which these factors can be measured. By using a consistent set of instruments and a conceptual framework over time (during sick leave, reintegration and claim assessment), the collaboration between occupational and insurance physicians is promoted.

Methodology

• A focus group study involving occupational and insurance physicians to gain insight into which symptoms are considered generic and their role in the return-to-work process and disability claim assessment and which conditions are required for monitoring these symptoms.
• Evaluation of which generic symptoms are mentioned and how they are described in occupational physicians' first consultation reports. Additionally, it will be investigated whether generic symptoms appear in defined clusters and their relationship with the duration of sick leave (in collaboration with Arbo Unie).
• Design of a monitoring study in which generic symptoms are measured longitudinally during the sick leave and return-to-work period up to the disability claim assessment.

Contact person

Email: m.l.w.koopman-ziech@umcg.nl
Update: 22-8-2025