Effects of a brief workplace-centered consultation for employees with musculoskeletal pain on health outcomes: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases affect a substantial proportion of the population. Specialist consultations were offered at the workplace for people with musculoskeletal (MSK)-complaints. We analyzed data on pain and well-being as well as health economic data at baseline. Lasting effects of the consultation were analyzed at a follow-up-interview after 12 months. Baseline data of 344 individuals were available. Occupations were divided into physically highly demanding (HD) or less demanding. Women reported significantly higher pain levels and less QoL than men. Sick leave days were significantly more in HD-workers. Independent of workload, significantly higher percentages of women had cervical- and upper limb-pain than men, with significantly higher pain in upper limbs in HD-workers. 235 participants were available for telephone-follow-up. QoL and MSK-pain improved significantly. Yearly out-of-pocket spendings for treatments significantly increased. NSAID use significantly decreased, whereas use of non-drug musculoskeletal-medical-services was significantly higher after one year. Regarding MSK-symptoms in gainfully employed individuals, the study showed significantly different workload-dependent differences in QoL. Significant effects of a consultation by a MSK-specialist were shown in terms of improved MSK-pain and overall well-being. This workplace-centered consultation had significant effects on beneficial health-behavior such as decreased use of NSAID and increased engagement in gymnastics and physiotherapy.

Occupational Physicians’ Perspectives on Determinants of Employee Participation in a Randomized Controlled Musculoskeletal Health Promotion Measure: A Qualitative Study

“…Regarding awareness, some OPs perceived employees are sufficiently informed about WHP, while others perceived they are not. This rather supports findings that employees’ knowledge about WHP and MSD measures needs to be facilitated on a broader scale [ 6 ]. The scope of individual characteristics reported by OPs further supports researchers’ demand for target-orientation and inclusion of employees in decision-making processes in WHP [ 38 , 39 ].…”

“…MSDs are among the most common causes of chronic pain, physical functional limitations, and a loss of quality of life worldwide [ 5 ]. Concurrently, employees seek medical help only when symptoms are present and when there has already been a loss in productivity or working capacity [ 6 ]. Research suggests workplace physical activity interventions can promote health and worksite outcomes [ 7 ], but intervention acceptability and adherence need further investigation [ 8 ].…”

A Cross-Provider Healthcare Management Program for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial in 22 German Companies

“…Workplace Health Promotion Programs aim to support prevention of MSDs and facilitate return to work. Seeking medical help only in acute phases often means that there has already been a reduced work capacity [3]. Concurrently, most of the coordination programs are neither tailored to the workplace nor the individual needs of the employees.…”

The Relationship Between Fear-avoidance Beliefs in Employees with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Work Productivity: A Longitudinal Study

“…In addition, no preventative guideline measures have been published concerning musculoskeletal pain other than lower back pain. Given that musculoskeletal pain can be improved through early workplace intervention by in- ternal medicine or orthopedic surgery specialists [31], occupational physicians may play a role in improving musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, in Japan, regulations on overtime hours are scheduled to come into effect as a result of a revision of the law in 2019, and the introduction of a working interval will be promoted.…”