Q1. What went right?
Q2. What went wrong?
Q3. What might have improved the outcome?
Q4. Do you agree with Dr. Moss that the information Matt is seeking is confidential?
Q5. Is Lorraine's family doctor an advocate or obstacle? Please explain your answer.
Scenario: Lorraine: The Family Doctor: Advocate or Obstacle?
Lorraine is a 50-year-old production worker in a small manufacturing plant. She is a divorced mother, with three older children and aging parents that require a lot of care. Two months ago, Loraine sustained a back injury when lifting a box filled with car parts. Her family doctor, Dr. Moss, who has known her family for many years, diagnosed the problem as back strain. He asked Loraine about her job, and she told him that she had to bend and lift parts during much of the day. He suggested that she take a couple of weeks off and return to his office at the end of that time.
Dr. Moss knew of the demanding family situation Loraine was in but was not aware of the modified work possibilities within her company. He felt that she needed this opportunity to rest and get back on her feet. After two weeks, Lorraine was still reporting significant pain and Dr. Moss extended her leave, hoping that full recovery would allow her to return to work successfully. However, there has been no change, and Lorraine remains off work at the present time, six weeks after her injury.
The company where Lorraine works has an active modified work committee, composed of management representatives, the health and safety committee and the occupational health nurse. Matt, the occupational health nurse, has made several attempts to contact Dr. Moss, to explain the program and the work options available to Lorraine - options that would not involve lifting, bending, or other activities that could impede her recovery. Matt has inquired with Dr. Moss about the reasons for Lorraine's continued absence, and whether she could return to modified work. Matt feels that Dr. Moss sees such attempts as questioning his professional judgment. It is difficult for Matt to reach him by telephone. When he did get through, Dr. Moss said curtly that the information he was seeking was confidential, and he was not at liberty to share any information.
Matt is frustrated in his attempts to resolve the situation. He is aware of Lorraine's domestic situation and has suggested that she might want to see a counsellor in the company's Employee Assistance Program (which is fully confidential) to help talk through her problems. Lorraine has not done this. Dr. Moss's lack of knowledge about possibilities within the employment setting, and resistance to communicating openly with the employer, continue to deter Lorraine from returning to full earning capacity.