45 The assessment of work endurance in disability evaluations across European countries physicians, six medical advisors, one researcher, one assessment doctor, one medical assessor, one occupational physician and one general practitioner. Eighteen (75%) of these conduct disability assessments in practice. Six were involved in another way, such as medical advice, education, management and organisation and policy making. Seventeen experts from 13 countries were approached in the second survey. Twelve experts (response rate 70.6%) from ten countries (76.9%) responded. From two countries more than one expert responded. Belgium, Finland, Italy, Slovakia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom did not respond. Thus, full data were obtained from 10 countries, provided by 11 participants. Number of standard working hours The range in standard full time working hours per day across countries was from 7.5 (Belgium, Finland, Norway, UK) to 8.3 (Switzerland). The range in standard full time working hours per week was from 35.0 (France) to 42.0 (Switzerland). Assessment of work endurance The assessment of work endurance is part of the disability assessment in 13 of 16 countries. In two of these 13 countries answers to this item were inconsistent. Work endurance is assessed by an insurance or occupational physician. In one country the answer to this item was inconsistent. Formal rules for the assessment of work endurance as part of regulations for work disability assessment in general are used in ten countries. Only in the Netherlands a professional guideline specific for the assessment of work endurance is in use. In four countries the assessment of work endurance includes the evaluation of the maximum duration a person is able to sustain specific activities without interruption, such as walking, standing or sitting. The assessment of work endurance includes the evaluation of the maximum duration a person is able to work in suitable work in five countries. In one country answers were inconsistent on both of these items. For detailed information per country, see Table 1. Causes of limited work endurance Physical and mental disorders are accepted causes of limited work endurance in all countries. Diseases most mentioned as frequently being associated with limited work endurance are diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, mental disorders and diseases of the circulatory system. In seven countries answers to this item were inconsistent (not in table). Psychosocial factors are accepted causes in ten countries, health complaints in eight countries and environmental factors in five countries. 3
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