Health Professionals’ Views on the Legislation Regarding Work Participation for People With Chronic Diseases in Romania
Health Professionals’ Views on the Legislation Regarding Work Participation for People With Chronic Diseases in Romania

Summary/Abstract: This paper aims to analyse the lived experiences of Romanian health professionals regarding the legislation that regulates work participation of people with chronic diseases which are subject to long-term sick leave, disability certification and/or invalidity pension, due to their condition. The topic is important, especially because legislation seems to be rather a barrier than a protective factor, provides unclear or insufficient guidelines, and is not accessible enough. The methodology has a phenomenological orientation and is mixed, combining desk research on Romanian legislation related to work after chronic diseases with semi-structured interviews done with 33 participants, belonging to six categories of health professionals. The results of the desk research were included in a report that highlights the main legal provisions on work with chronic conditions. The analysis of the interview data was conducted using Nvivo software, based on an inductive approach. The results emphasized three themes: the current state of the legislation and the system, the impact of the current legislation and directions for change. Conclusions are relevant for Romanian decision-makers in this area. Thus, the most significant problem of the Romanian legislation related to work, from the health professionals' perspective, points to unclear roles, responsibilities, and guidelines, with a relevant impact on patients and employers. Also, health professionals discuss the lack of coordination among them and with other stakeholders involved in the process (employers, employment agencies, non-profit organisations) and suggest some changes that could contribute to a better work (re)integration for individuals with chronic diseases.

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