Meta-synthesis of qualitative research on return to work among employees with common mental disorders

Abstract

Andersen MF, Nielsen KM, Brinkmann S. Meta-synthesis of qualitative research on return to work among employees with common mental disorders. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2012;38(2):93-104. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3257Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate which opportunities and obstacles employees with common mental disorders (CMD) experience in relation to return to work (RTW) and how they perceive the process of returning to work. In addition, the study explores what characterizes an optimal RTW intervention and points to possible ways to improve future interventions for employees with CMD.Methods A systematic literature search was conducted, and eight qualitative studies of medium or high quality published between 1995-2011 were included in this systematic review. The eight studies were synthesized using the meta-ethnographic method.Results This meta-synthesis found that employees with CMD identify a number of obstacles to and facilitators of returning to work related to their own personality, social support at the workplace, and the social and rehabilitation systems. The employees found it difficult to decide when they were ready to resume work and experienced difficulties implementing RTW solutions at the workplace. ConclusionsThis study reveals that the RTW process should be seen as a continuous and coherent one where experiences of the past and present and anticipation of the future are dynamically interrelated and affect the success or failure of RTW. The meta-synthesis also illuminates insufficient coordination between the social and rehabilitation systems and suggests how an optimal RTW intervention could be designed.

Early and Late Return to Work After Sick Leave: Predictors in a Cohort of Sick-Listed Individuals with Common Mental Disorders

“…These results are in line with the results of the Sherbrook study for sick-listed individuals with musculoskeletal disorders [21], where a combination of clinical and workplace interventions was most effective. This was further supported in a meta-synthesis of qualitative research [22]. Individual factors, as well as social support at the workplace and organization of social and rehabilitation systems affected if and when RTW occurred.…”

Narratives of Sick Leave, Return to Work and Job Mobility for People with Common Mental Disorders in Sweden

“…This observation may be generalized into the different stakeholders in the RTW process, where the need for coherence and coordination has been pointed out [7]. In Frank's perspective, this implies a dialogue in which the illness can be placed into a coherent story [17].…”

“…Studies suggest that return to work (RTW) for people with CMDs is determined by a combination of work-and health-related factors [5], and that RTW interventions need to target both [6], with special attention to coordination between the social and rehabilitation systems [7]. There are several stakeholders involved in RTW processes (most commonly workers, employers, insurance representatives and healthcare professionals), all representing different perspectives [8].…”

Predicting the Effectiveness of Work-Focused CBT for Common Mental Disorders: The Influence of Baseline Self-Efficacy, Depression and Anxiety

“…Individuals with high baseline anxiety and depressive complaints generally experience a less favourable RTW process [15]. Individuals may also fear that early RTW would be hampered by, or may even aggravate, their mental health symptoms [12,31]. Hence, W-CBT techniques may be a particular challenge for those with high levels of anxiety and depression.…”