Background/Introduction
The fit note was introduced in 2010 to replace the sickness certificate and facilitate those with health
conditions to stay in work by encouraging GPs to focus on what a patient is able to do at work. However,
despite this major policy change, no research studies have been published that have evaluated the fit note
from the perspective of all the main stakeholders, namely employed patients, GPs and employers (including
human resources, line managers and occupational health practitioners). This study aimed to investigate and
reach agreement on how the fit note can best be used by all stakeholder groups to aid return to work and work
retention.