A 29-year-old customer advisor in Bern was suffering from severe fatigue, a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. After a blood test, she was diagnosed with Pfeiffer's glandular fever (Epstein-Barr virus infection). Normally, this illness leads to a complete inability to work for six to eight weeks, mainly due to severe fatigue.
02 Solution
The doctor contacted the patient at an early stage to monitor her symptoms and , in consultation with her employer, made it possible for her to work from home. This enabled her to gradually return to work from the third week onwards. Regular discussions and targeted recommendations helped to avoid overwork and relapses.
03 Partial ability to work
The patient's gradual return to work was as follows:
Week 1 & 2: 0% fit for work
Week 3: 50% able to work (home office)
From week 5: 100% fit for work
04 Results
Reduction in days of absence: the patient was only completely unable to work for 14 days instead of the usual 35-40 days
Total absence: 26 days instead of the expected 40 days
Company savings: CHF 8,400 - CHF 14,000
Daily sickness benefits insurance: around CHF 5,700
05 Sharing the success story
This case study shows how proactive support and flexible solutions can promote a speedy recovery, reduce downtime and significantly cut costs for companies and insurers.
Source: This case study was provided by AcciMed GmbH and shortened with their permission.
