Table 4 Proportion of GPs in Sweden and Norway, respectively, who perceived different sickness certification tasks and situations as problematic

. . . assess the optimum duration and degree of sickness absence.

69.1

71.4

0.97

-2.3

0.487

. . . provide a long-term prognosis about the future work capacity of patients on sick leave.

77.3

72.3

1.07

5.0

0.087

. . . handle sickness certification of patients.

59.9*

52.5*

1.14

7.4

0.030

. . . assess the degree to which of the reduced functional capacity limits patient's work capacity.

80.6*

67.9*

1.19

12.7

0.000

... discuss with the patient the advantages and disadvantages of being on sick leave.

40.5*

31.1*

1.30

9.4

0.005

... manage the two roles as the patient's treating physician and a medical expert for the social insurance office and other authorities.

64.5*

52.3*

1.23

12.2

0.000

... decide whether to certify a prolongation of a sick-leave period initially certified by another physician.

69.5*

30.9*

2.25

38.6

0.000

... handle situations in which you and your patient have different opinions about the need for sickness leave.

61.1*

74.7*

0.82

-13.6

0.000