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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2012 Feb;54(2):128-35.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e31824409d8.

Impact of a work-focused intervention on the productivity and symptoms of employees with depression

Debra Lerner  1 , David Adler, Richard C Hermann, Hong Chang, Evette J Ludman, Annabel Greenhill, Katherine Perch, William C McPeck, William H Rogers
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Impact of a work-focused intervention on the productivity and symptoms of employees with depression

Debra Lerner et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2012 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To test a new program's effectiveness in reducing depression's work burden.

Methods: A brief telephonic program to improve work functioning was tested in an early-stage randomized controlled trial involving 79 Maine State Government employees who were screened in for depression and at-work limitations (treatment group = 59; usual care group = 27). Group differences in baseline to follow-up change scores on the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), WLQ Absence Module, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 depression severity scale were tested with analysis of covariance.

Results: Although there were no baseline group differences (P ≥ 0.05), by follow-up, the treatment group had significantly better scores on every outcome and differences in the longitudinal changes were all statistically significant (P = 0.0.27 to 0.0001).

Conclusions: The new program was superior to usual care. The estimated productivity cost savings is $6041.70 per participant annually.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: There are no competing interests for any of the authors.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study Enrollment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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