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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2011 Sep;21(3):313-24.
doi: 10.1007/s10926-011-9291-7.

A participatory return-to-work intervention for temporary agency workers and unemployed workers sick-listed due to musculoskeletal disorders: results of a randomized controlled trial

Sylvia J Vermeulen  1 , Johannes R Anema, Antonius J M Schellart, Dirk L Knol, Willem van Mechelen, Allard J van der Beek
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A participatory return-to-work intervention for temporary agency workers and unemployed workers sick-listed due to musculoskeletal disorders: results of a randomized controlled trial

Sylvia J Vermeulen et al. J Occup Rehabil. 2011 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: Within the labour force workers without an employment contract represent a vulnerable group. In most cases, when sick-listed, these workers have no workplace/employer to return to. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness on return-to-work of a participatory return-to-work program compared to usual care for unemployed workers and temporary agency workers, sick-listed due to musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods: The workers, sick-listed for 2-8 weeks due to musculoskeletal disorders, were randomly allocated to the participatory return-to-work program (n = 79) or to usual care (n = 84). The new program is a stepwise procedure aimed at making a consensus-based return-to-work plan, with the possibility of a temporary (therapeutic) workplace. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The primary outcome measure was time to sustainable first return-to-work. Secondary outcome measures were duration of sickness benefit, functional status, pain intensity, and perceived health.

Results: The median duration until sustainable first return-to-work was 161 days in the intervention group, compared to 299 days in the usual care group. The new return-to-work program resulted in a non-significant delay in RTW during the first 90 days, followed by a significant advantage in RTW rate after 90 days (hazard ratio of 2.24 [95% confidence interval 1.28-3.94] P = 0.005). No significant differences were found for the measured secondary outcomes.

Conclusions: The newly developed participatory return-to-work program seems to be a promising intervention to facilitate work resumption and reduce work disability among temporary agency workers and unemployed workers, sick-listed due to musculoskeletal disorders.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow of the workers in the study
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Kaplan–Meier curves for sustainable first return-to-work during the 12-months follow-up for the participatory return-to-work program group and the usual care group
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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