The aim of this study is to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors, needs, and forms of support that play a role for healthcare professionals in three crucial phases of the sick leave process: (1) absence from work, (2) the return-to-work process during illness, and (3) resumption of work. By combining qualitative interviews and available quantitative data, the study aims to form an integrated picture of how healthcare professionals experience their journey back to work and which elements contribute to a sustainable return to the workplace.

The study focuses on two target groups: healthcare professionals who are currently unable to work (1-6 months) and healthcare professionals who have recently resumed work (≤ 6 months). Participants take part in one semi-structured interview (including a validated questionnaire).

The research makes an important contribution to the current state of knowledge: although international literature already describes various factors that hinder and promote reintegration, there is little research that focuses specifically on healthcare professionals, who face unique risks such as high work pressure, emotionally stressful working conditions, and structural staff shortages. Furthermore, there is a clear knowledge gap regarding which forms of support (e.g., communication, guidance, work organization) are perceived as effective by healthcare professionals themselves, both during illness and when returning to work. There is also a lack of practical insight into the medium-term absence phase (1 month - 1 year), although this phase appears to be crucial for successful reintegration.

The study contributes by:

• systematically identifying needs, obstacles, and success factors specific to healthcare professionals;
• generating insights into the process of returning to work in the medium term;
• developing practical recommendations that can be directly applied in the retention and reintegration policies of healthcare institutions;
• providing scientifically substantiated building blocks that contribute to improved decision-making at the policy level regarding sick leave in the healthcare sector.

By linking the insights gained to a theoretical framework and existing literature, this research fills both a scientific gap and a practical need. The results have the potential to contribute directly to a more effective, personalized, and sustainable reintegration policy for healthcare professionals in Flanders.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthcare professionals on sick leave (1-6 months) or back at work (max 6 months)
• Minimum 18 years of age
• Working in a Flemish healthcare institution

Exclusion Criteria:

• Persons younger than 18 years of age
• Non-Dutch-speaking participants (language barrier during interviews)

Healthcare professionals working in a Flemish healthcare institution and either on sick leave (1-6 months) or back at work (max 6 months).

Individual participant data will not be shared. Due to the sensitive nature of the study population (healthcare professionals discussing health-related absence and return-to-work experiences) and the qualitative components of the research, sharing raw individual-level data could pose a risk to participant confidentiality and re-identification.

Only processed, aggregated, and anonymized data will be made available through publications and reports. In qualitative dissemination, fully anonymized excerpts or quotations may be used to illustrate findings, ensuring that no individual or organization can be identified.

This approach is in line with GDPR regulations and the ethical approval obtained for the study, which prioritizes the protection of participant privacy and confidentiality.