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Reducing long term sickness absence by an activating intervention in adjustment disorders: a cluster randomised
J J L van der Klink1, R W B Blonk, A H Schene
1Coronel Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Academic Medical Center, Netherlands. j.j.vanderklink@amc.uva.nl
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|May 29, 2003
Summary
An innovative intervention effectively reduced sickness leave duration for employees with adjustment disorders. This approach improved return-to-work rates and decreased long-term absenteeism compared to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Adjustment disorders frequently lead to employee sickness absence.
- Effective interventions are needed to manage sickness leave duration and return-to-work rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an innovative activating intervention versus "care as usual" for employees on sick leave due to adjustment disorder.
- To assess the intervention's impact on symptom intensity, psychological resources, and sickness leave duration.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cluster randomised controlled trial involving 192 patients.
- Measurements included symptom intensity, sickness duration, and return-to-work rates at 3 and 12 months.
- Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significantly higher return-to-work rates at 3 months.
- Sickness leave duration was shorter in the intervention group at 12 months.
- Lower recurrence rates were observed in the intervention group; no significant differences in symptom decrease were found.
Conclusions:
- The activating intervention successfully shortened sick leave duration for adjustment disorders.
- The primary benefit was a reduction in long-term absenteeism.