Intervention Characteristics that Facilitate Return to Work After Sickness Absence: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction In many Western countries, a vast amount of interventions exist that aim to facilitate return to work (RTW) after sickness absence. These interventions are usually focused on specific target populations such as employees with low back pain, stress-related complaints or adjustment disorders. The aim of the present study is to detect and identify characteristics of RTW interventions that generally facilitate return to work (i.e. in multiple target populations and across interventions). This type of knowledge is highly relevant to policy makers and health practitioners who want to deliver evidence based care that supports the employee’s health and participation in labour. Methods We performed a keyword search (systematic literature review) in seven databases (period: 1994–2010). In total, 23 articles were included and assessed for their methodological quality. The characteristics of the interventions were evaluated as well. Results Early interventions, initiated in the first 6 weeks of the RTW process were scarce. These were effective to support RTW though. Multidisciplinary interventions appeared effective to support RTW in multiple target groups (e.g. back pain and adjustment disorders). Time contingent interventions in which activities followed a pre-defined schedule were effective in all physical complaints studied in this review. Activating interventions such as gradual RTW were effective in physical complaints. They have not been studied for people with psychological complaints. Conclusions Early- and multidisciplinary intervention and time-contingent-, activating interventions appear most effective to support RTW.

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The EASY (Early Access to Support for You) sickness absence service: a four-year evaluation of the impact on absenteeism

“…However, there is inconsistency in the definition of early intervention in different studies and some sickness absence interventions focus on those still in work and at risk of sickness absence (6)(7)(8)(9). Recent systematic reviews found that multidisciplinary interventions involving consultation and consensus between all stakeholders (ie, the employee, health practitioners, and employer) to implement modifications for the absentee were consistently more effective than other interventions (6,10). Palmer et al's systematic review further showed effort-intensive interventions were less effective than simple ones and that future research on sickness absence management interventions should focus on the cost-effectiveness of simple, low-cost interventions (11).…”

Facilitadores del reintegro laboral en trabajadores con patología mental de origen laboral: una revisión sistemática

“…Ellos destacan la necesidad de mantener comunicación entre supervisor y empleado 13 , realización de intervenciones tempranas, multidisciplinarias [14][15] , y que integran el lugar de trabajo e intervenciones focalizadas en desarrollar estrategias de afrontamiento en el paciente 16 , entre otras.…”