An attempt to work rehabilitation after long sick-leave

Abstract

Because of the increasing frequency of sick-leave in Sweden the General Health Insurance has directed funds for active rehabilitation by studying the possibilities for long-time sick-leave patients to go back to work. In the present study 38 subjects were randomized to an intervention group and a control group and followed for 3 years. In the intervention group, individual rehabilitation programs were provided and the patients were encouraged to actively deal with and improve their working situation. Also, they were influenced to accept activity and an active life style with a goal in life as an important and valuable concept. There was an obvious tendency of those in the intervention group to return to work more readily, however, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant.

Keywords: Employment; Health insurance; Sick leave; Work rehabilitation.