The BBC has received responses from 752 GPs in England, with 540 stating they have never refused to sign a patient off work for mental health issues.
According to the GPs who responded to the BBC questionnaire, the current system is problematic, with some revealing frustration with the provision of fit notes being part of their job.
A government-commissioned report, the Keep Britain Working review, noted that fit notes were often problematic, and GPs often did not have the time or occupational health training to fully assess if someone was able to work or not.
Response From Authorities
The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) said family doctors may not always be the most appropriate professionals to provide long-term support to enable patients to return to work.
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the RCGP, stated that the RCGP was open to exploring whether responsibility for longer-term fit notes should sit elsewhere.
Government Response
A government spokesperson said it was clear the current fit note system needed reforming, and that it was testing new approaches.
The BBC understands government officials are exploring other options, including so-called stay in/return to work plans developed with businesses and occupational health professionals.
Alternative Solutions
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is one of 60 companies working with officials to see how this could look, with JLR's chief medical officer, Dr Richard Peters, stating that firms have a part to play in supporting people with health conditions in work.
However, there are wider concerns about how this kind of help could be scaled up, with small businesses already concerned about incoming changes to statutory sick pay.
Charity Response
Tom Pollard, head of policy and campaigns at the mental health charity Mind, said any move towards an alternative system needed to be approached with caution and built around trusting and compassionate relationships.
