Return-to-work experiences of individuals with common mental disorders within disability-based insurance systems explored within a mental health recovery framework: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the vocational recovery and return-to-work (RTW) experiences of individuals with common mental disorders (CMDs) within disability-based insurance systems, assessing alignment with the Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning, and Empowerment (CHIME) model. 'Disability-based' refers to systems where eligibility depends on the presence of a health condition regardless of its cause, operating through social insurance in European countries and life insurance in Australia.

Methods: Through a qualitative scoping review under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-ScR) framework we reviewed qualitative peer-reviewed studies on RTW for people with CMDs from five electronic databases and mapped findings to CHIME dimensions noting unclassifiable content.

Results: Analysis of 11 studies revealed complex RTW processes for individuals with CMDs within disability-based insurance systems, emphasising the importance of CHIME dimensions. Key findings identified the necessity of supportive relationships and structured rehabilitation services for successful vocational recovery.

Conclusion: Results identify the need for a recovery-oriented approach in occupational rehabilitation for individuals with CMDs. This emphasises the importance of supportive environments that foster empowerment, meaningful engagement, and identity reconstruction in the RTW process. Further research should explore these aspects within the Australian context to develop more effective person-centred rehabilitation models.

Keywords: CHIME framework; Common mental disorders (CMDs); income protection insurance; mental health recovery; occupational rehabilitation; return to work (RTW).