The Role of the Physician in Disability Management: Assessing Family Physicians' View of Discrepancies Between Practice and Canadian Medical Association Guidelines

Abstract

Purpose: This research project aimed to explore the views and perspectives of family physicians in regards to fulfilling their role in disability management (DM) — specifically, to examine the discrepancies between physicians' practice in DM and their professional guidelines, with special attention to physicians' experience in collaborating with key stakeholders. Methods: Seven family physicians were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format (8 evidence-based questions and 2 case examples). Interviews were recorded and transcribed. A content analysis of the interview data was conducted in addition to a thematic review of participant responses. Results: Data revealed that in accordance with previous literature, physicians' practice does not typically emulate Canadian Medical Association policy, and the participant physicians described several barriers as the reason for this discrepancy. This study revealed a multitude of frustrations encountered by physicians when interacting with other parties in DM. Participant physicians also reported potential solutions to these frustrations and other related issues. Conclusion: This qualitative study yields valuable insight into barriers, as well as facilitating factors, for physicians in the fulfillment of their DM role. Some practical recommendations for the DM community are presented, while noting that more research should be conducted, including input from key DM stakeholders, to both gain further understanding of physicians' DM function, and to identify viable interventions aimed at optimising their role.