Osasairauspäiväraha Suomessa. Etuutta saaneiden kokemuksia ja työhön paluu

Kausto J, Virta L, Joensuu M, Vuorinen H, Kivisto S, Jahkola A, Martimo K-P, Klaukka T, Viikari-Juntura E. Partial sickness benefit in Finland. Experiences and recipients' return to work. Helsinki: Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Social security and health research: Working papers 67, 2009. 41 pp. ISBN 978-951-669-805-5 (print), ISBN 978-951-669-806-2 (pdf). The aim of the survey was to describe recipients of partial sickness benefit, to explore experiences with the benefit and to examine to what extent recipients returned to full-time work. In addition the respondents were asked how the benefit system could in their opinion be improved. A total sample (N = 1016) of recipients of the benefit between 1 August 2007 and 31 January 2008 was drawn from the registers of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. Sixty-four percent of the sample population responded to a questionnaire. Register based information on diagnoses and days of payment of partial and full sickness benefit was also collected. Women comprised 71% of the sample. The mean age was 48 years. Of the total sample 36% had a diagnosed mental and 36% a diagnosed musculoskeletal disorder. Two fifths of the recipients had been paid the benefit for the maximum duration, 72 days. On average, partial sick leave lasted 57 days and the preceding period of full sickness benefit, 151 days. Most of the recipients of the benefit had worked in the healthcare, manufacturing and service sectors. Experiences with the benefit were mainly positive. The majority of the respondents reported that information about the benefit had been easily available. Still, they pointed out some shortcomings in the application process. They also felt that it had been rather easy to make the necessary arrangements at the workplace. A few respondents, however, reported that while the number of hours at work had been reduced, the amount of work required of them had not. Respondents who belonged to the lower income classes were especially likely not to be satisfied with their income level while receiving partial sickness benefit. Most participants, especially those whose preceding full sick leave had been relatively shorter, felt that the benefit had promoted their recovery. A shorter preceding full sick leave was also associated with return to full-time work. Those recovering from tumours or traumas were more likely to return to work than others. The findings indicate that a good case can be made for providing access to the partial sickness benefit at an earlier stage in the sickness period. In case of a long preceding full sick leave, cooperation between work place and occupational health care representatives is particularly important to support the return to work. The maximum duration of the benefit may be sufficient in the beginning of the sickness period and in the case of many somatic diseases. On the other hand, when recovering from a long-term illness or, mental disorder, for instance, a longer period of partial sick leave would possibly be beneficial.