Course catalogue doctoral education - VT24

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Title Sickness absence research: theories, methods, and concepts
Course number 2641
Programme Vårdvetenskap (PUF-V)
Language English
Credits 4.5
Date 2018-02-05 -- 2018-04-18
Responsible KI department Institutionen för klinisk neurovetenskap
Specific entry requirements
Purpose of the course The course aims to provide participants with basic and wide competence about current research on sickness absence, regarding different types of study designs, data, and analytical approaches within different scientific disciplines, as a bases for own reserach on sickness absence/disability pension.
Intended learning outcomes After succesfully completing this course the doctorial student will be able to:

- show knowledge about the area of sickness absence, in terms of what research that is conducted in various scientific disciplines (e.g. economics, sociology, medicine, management, psychology, law, philosophy, public health) and to be able to relate own research project to this, according to a classification presented at the course.
- show basic knowledge about different scientific methods used in research on sickness absence, with respect to study design, data collection, and data analysis.
- show knowledge about risk factors for sickness absence, consequences of being sickness absent, and factors that hinder or promote return to work.
- show basic knowledge on international as well as historical aspects of sickness insurance systems.
- search for relevant studies in litterature databases.
- participate in scientific discussions, verbally and in writing, regarding sickness absence and issues in the research area, with regard to perspectives, theories, explanatory models, and concepts.
Contents of the course This multidisciplinary course covers knowledge of sickness absence/disability pension with a focus on theories, methods, and concepts used in such research. Among other things, the theories and methods used in research in medicine, sociology, economics, psychology, law, and management will be presented. Furthermore, the different perspectives within the research area will be considered such as a gender perspective and a social class perspective.
Teaching and learning activities The course begins with three full, mandatory days of lectures by national and international well known researchers in the field and of group work. Thereafter, nine weeks with individual work (studying literature, write a paper (with focus on own project), logbook, etceteras) and group meetings with discussions of central scientific articles within the research area, will follow. Group discussion takes place either at face-to-face meetings, Skype, or discussion forums via KIs' web-based forum. After that, the whole course meets again, for three additional mandatory days of lectures, group work, and seminaries about the papers the students have written.
Compulsory elements To pass the course, active participation in all course days in Stockholm is required, taking active part in the group work and discussions in between the course days, write a summary of the individual logbook, and submitted a paper in due time. Any absence is to be compensated by arrangement with the course leader and may vary depending on which course sections that have been missed.
Examination Examination will take place at the seminars on all the papers during the three last days of the course. Each participant is to actively demonstrate that he/she has acquired the above knowledge, skills and attitudes in all the roles as respondent, opponent, and seminar participant.

Students who do not obtain a passing grade in the first examination will be offered a second examination within two months of the final day of the course.
Literature and other teaching material One of the learning outcomes of the course is to be able to find and evaluate relevant information in the literature. Therefore, participants are encouraged to search and evaluate the literature, e.g., relevant systematic reviews, websites, scientific articles, and other publications which should be added to the suggestions mentioned below.

Alexanderson K, Norlund A. Sickness absence - causes, consequences, and physicians' certification practice. A systematic literature review by the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. 2004; 32 (Supplement 63):1-263

Järvholm, B; Mannelqvist, R, Olofsson, C, Torén, K, Försäkringsmedicin, Lund : Studentlitteratur, 2013.
Löfgren A. Physician´s sickness certification practices. Doktorsavhandling Stockholm: Karolinska Institutet; 2010.
Loisel P, Anema J, Editors, Handbook of Work Disability. Prevention and Management. Springer 2013.
Sickness, Disability and Work ¿ Breaking the Barriers, Paris: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD 2010,
Talmage JB, Melhorn JM. A physician´s guide to return to work. USA: AMA press; 2005.
Pestieau P. The Welfare State in the European Union - economic and social perspectives. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2006.
Esping-Andersen G. Why we need a new welfare state. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2002.
Waddell, G; Burton, K: Is work good for your health and well-being? London: TSO, 2006
Number of students 10 - 15
Selection of students Acceptence to the course is based in the relevance of the course for the PhD project (based omn given motivation)
More information The course starts with three intensive, fully scheduled days + evenings in Stockholm, followed by several weeks of individual and group work. Thereafter, additional three days in Stockholm, including seminars. Several lectures will be given, covering different aspects and disciplines within the research areas.
Additional course leader
Latest course evaluation Course evaluation report
Course responsible Kristina Alexanderson
Institutionen för klinisk neurovetenskap
08 524 832 00
Kristina.Alexanderson@ki.se

Division of Insurance Medicine
Karolinska Institutet
171 77
Stockholm
Contact person Emilie Friberg
Institutionen för klinisk neurovetenskap
08-524 832 33
Emilie.Friberg@ki.se