According to the WHO, return-to-work programmes combine work-directed care, for example reasonable accommodations or phased re-entry to work, with ongoing clinical care, to support a meaningful return after an absence related to a mental health condition while also reducing symptoms. The WHO guidelines on mental health at work (2022) include recommendations on return to work. These recommendations apply to mental health conditions in general.
§ 74 SGB V applies when people unable to work can partly carry out their previous work and are expected to return to working life more successfully through a step-by-step restart. The doctor states the type and extent of possible activities on the certificate and, in suitable cases, obtains the opinion of the company doctor. From six weeks of incapacity at the latest, this statement is usually part of every certificate.
Outside Germany, the rules differ by country. The GP or company doctor can provide information about the local options.
This question belongs to the topic Sick leave and return to work. It lists further questions.
What can be raised at a medical check-up about the gradual return to work, meaning a step-by-step restart?
- which tasks are possible again and for how many hours
- involving the company doctor
- what happens if complaints return
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Which prompt can be given to an AI assistant about the gradual return to work, meaning a step-by-step restart?
At the start of your answer, point out that this topic needs medical review and that your information may contain errors. Explain the gradual return to work under § 74 SGB V and the 2022 WHO guideline recommendations on return to work. Give the source for every piece of information and mark what is uncertain. Do not make a diagnosis and do not recommend any treatment. Separately, tell me which questions I should ask at the doctor’s practice.
With some services, the prompt needs to be pasted after signing in. The AI services belong to third parties. Depending on the service and the extent of use, signing in and costs may apply. AI answers can contain errors.