This national cross-sectional survey investigates the current practices and perceptions of Belgian spinal surgeons regarding return to work (RTW) after lumbar surgery for radicular pain. The study aims to (1) assess surgeons' advice on RTW and sick leave, (2) identify barriers and facilitators encountered when providing RTW guidance, and (3) explore how these factors relate to surgeon characteristics such as demographics, hospital setting, and professional experience. The results will inform clinical practice recommendations and support the development of targeted interventions to improve RTW guidance.
Return to work (RTW) after lumbar surgery is shaped by a combination of medical, psychosocial, and system-level factors. Although clinical guidelines increasingly recognize RTW as an essential outcome, limited evidence exists on how surgeons address this issue in everyday practice and what challenges they encounter. This national cross-sectional survey will be distributed to members of the Spine Society of Belgium (SSBe). It explores surgeons' demographics, current clinical practices regarding RTW advice and sick leave, communication strategies with patients, perceived professional roles and responsibilities, and barriers and facilitators in providing RTW guidance. The findings will provide insights into current practices, highlight modifiable barriers, and support the development of evidence-based clinical recommendations and targeted interventions to optimize RTW guidance after lumbar surgery.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
UZ Leuven
Leuven, Belgium
Reported practices regarding return to work advice and sick leave following lumbar surgery
Measured using a custom-designed online questionnaire. Topics include timing of advice, recommended duration of sick leave, and content of return-to-work guidance. Results reported as frequencies and percentages.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months (anticipated January 2026)
Reported barriers and facilitators to providing return to work guidance
Measured using multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions. Topics include professional-level barriers and facilitators. Results reported as frequencies, percentages, and mean Likert scores (1-5; higher = greater agreement).
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months (anticipated January 2026)
Surgeon demographics and practice characteristics
Demographic and professional background questions including age, sex, specialty, years in practice, hospital setting, and surgical case load. Results summarized as frequencies and percentages.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months (anticipated January 2026)
Reported confidence and perceived responsibility in discussing return to work
Measured using 5-point Likert scale questions. Topics include self-reported confidence in discussing return-to-work and perceived responsibility among surgeons. Results reported as mean scores (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree; higher scores = greater confidence/responsibility).
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months (anticipated January 2026)
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