[Physicians' initiative, cooperation and attitude when working with disability pension cases].

Ten district physicians in the county of Finnmark were interviewed in order to focus on physicians' attitudes in cases ending up with a disability pension. The interviews were based on a study of the physicians' five most recent disability pension cases. The study and the interviews disclosed that physicians in Finnmark play an active part in the process leading to a disability pension. They actively encourage their patients to apply for such a pension. The physicians have a marked influence on the assessment of alternatives to a disability pension. Non-medical considerations led to many physicians feeling frustrated when preparing the expert declaration.