Monica Eftedal1, Torill H Tveito2,3, Ulrik Gensby4,5,6, M Kamrul Islam7, Stein Atle Lie8, Gro Aasland9, Svein Kostveit10, Chris Jensen4,2. 1. National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Haddlandsvegen 20, 3864, Rauland, Norway. monica.eftedal@arbeidoghelse.no. 2. NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway. 3. Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Horten, Norway. 4. National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Haddlandsvegen 20, 3864, Rauland, Norway. 5. Team Working Life Aps, Copenhagen, Denmark. 6. Adjunct Scientist, Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Canada. 7. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. 8. Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. 9. Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway. 10. The Rehabilitation Centre AiR as, Rauland, Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and common mental disorders (CMDs) are the most frequent reasons for long-term sick leave and work disability. Occupational rehabilitation programs are used to help employees return to work (RTW). However, knowledge regarding the effect of these programs is scarce, and even less is known about which programs are best suited for which patients. This study aims to compare the RTW results of two interdisciplinary occupational rehabilitation programs in Norway, as well as to examine the delivery and reception of the two programs and explore the active mechanisms of the participants' RTW processes. METHODS/ DESIGN: We will use a mixed-method convergent design to study the main outcome. Approximately 600 participants will be included in the study. Eligible study participants will be aged 18-60 years old and have been on sick leave due to MSDs, CMDs, or both for at least 6 weeks. Interdisciplinary teams at both participating clinics will deliver complex occupational rehabilitation programs. The inpatient rehabilitation program has a duration of 4 weeks and is full time. The outpatient program has a duration of 3 months and involves weekly sessions. The primary outcome is RTW. Secondary outcomes are differences in the incremental cost for an averted sick leave day, cost utility/benefit, and differences between the programs regarding improvements in known modifiable obstacles to RTW. Subgroup analyses are planned. The researchers will be blinded to the intervention groups when analyzing the quantitative RTW data. DISCUSSION: This study aims to provide new insights regarding occupational rehabilitation interventions, treatment targets, and outcomes for different subgroups of sick-listed employees and to inform discussions on the active working mechanisms of occupational rehabilitation and the influence of context in the return-to-work process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current controlled trials ISRCTN12033424 , 15.10.2014, retrospectively registered.
BACKGROUND:Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and common mental disorders (CMDs) are the most frequent reasons for long-term sick leave and work disability. Occupational rehabilitation programs are used to help employees return to work (RTW). However, knowledge regarding the effect of these programs is scarce, and even less is known about which programs are best suited for which patients. This study aims to compare the RTW results of two interdisciplinary occupational rehabilitation programs in Norway, as well as to examine the delivery and reception of the two programs and explore the active mechanisms of the participants' RTW processes. METHODS/ DESIGN: We will use a mixed-method convergent design to study the main outcome. Approximately 600 participants will be included in the study. Eligible study participants will be aged 18-60 years old and have been on sick leave due to MSDs, CMDs, or both for at least 6 weeks. Interdisciplinary teams at both participating clinics will deliver complex occupational rehabilitation programs. The inpatient rehabilitation program has a duration of 4 weeks and is full time. The outpatient program has a duration of 3 months and involves weekly sessions. The primary outcome is RTW. Secondary outcomes are differences in the incremental cost for an averted sick leave day, cost utility/benefit, and differences between the programs regarding improvements in known modifiable obstacles to RTW. Subgroup analyses are planned. The researchers will be blinded to the intervention groups when analyzing the quantitative RTW data. DISCUSSION: This study aims to provide new insights regarding occupational rehabilitation interventions, treatment targets, and outcomes for different subgroups of sick-listed employees and to inform discussions on the active working mechanisms of occupational rehabilitation and the influence of context in the return-to-work process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current controlled trials ISRCTN12033424 , 15.10.2014, retrospectively registered.
Entities:
Keywords:
Common mental disorders; Mixed method; Musculoskeletal disorders; Occupational rehabilitation; Process evaluation; Return to work; Study protocol
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