The Department of Work and Pensions aims to roll-out electronic ‘fit notes’ in the autumn, following the launch of a new paper-based system in April.
The move to fit notes in place of the traditional Med 3 and Med 5 sick notes will take place on 6 April and is aimed at cutting the £100 billion annual cost of sick leave in Britain.
The DWP estimates the change could benefit the British economy by £240m over the next ten years.
A spokesperson told EHI Primary Care that the electronic version of the fit note, know as the Statement of Fitness for Work, was an “additional development” that would follow the introduction of the paper-only fit note.
She added: “Our ambition is to implement the new form in electronic format and we are working closely with primary care software providers to implement this.
“Subject to the outcome of commercial discussions with those providers, we hope the roll-out of a new electronic statement will commence in autumn 2010 and further details will be provided in due course.”
The DWP said the electronic statement would provide GPs with a permanent record which would inform future consultations and help them to better monitor their patients’ health.
It said electronic fit notes would also help patients and employers by improve the readability of the advice given by doctors.
The DWP spokesperson added: “The paper fit note will continue to exist after the introduction of the electronic note as doctors will need the flexibility to fill them in when making visits to patients.”
The DWP has published guidance for GPs on the new Statement of Fitness for Work outlining the changes which include a new option to make an assessment over the telephone.
The form also includes an option ‘may be fit for work’ and enables doctors to offer advice on the effects of a patient’s health condition.
Doctors will have the option to advise that their patient would be able to work, subject to the employer’s agreement, if temporary changes such as reduced working hours or amended duties could be accommodated.
The guidance has been created by the DWP with the RCGP, BMA, CBI, Acas, Federation of Small Businesses, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Association of British Insurers, British Retail Consortium and EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation.
Commenting on the development of the guidance, Dr Bill Gunnyeon, chief medical adviser at DWP, said: "From the outset, the development of the fit note has been a collaborative effort.
"It demonstrates what can be achieved when government, healthcare professionals, employers and other key stakeholders work closely together towards a common goal. We need to continue this good work once the fit note is in place to ensure it delivers the benefits."
Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work, conducted a review in 2008 which recommended that electronic fit notes should be introduced to switch the focus to what people can do and improve communications between employers, employees and GPs.
This week she said; “The fit note is a hugely important development which means that GPs will be encouraged to think about their patient’s ability to work and provide more helpful information to patients to discuss with their employer. This is why the fit note is a win-win for both employees and employers."