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Occupational disorders and return to work: a randomized controlled study
Jens Peter Bonde1, Mette Skou Rasmussen, Henrik Hjøllund
1Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. jpbon@aaa.dk
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
|July 19, 2005
Summary
A low-cost counseling program focused on motivation and goal setting did not improve return-to-work rates or reduce sick leave for individuals with work-related disorders.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Goal setting and motivation are linked to job retention and return to work post-sick leave.
- Limited research exists on interventions targeting these factors for vocational rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the vocational impact of an intervention focused on motivation, goal setting, and planning for return to work.
- To assess the effectiveness of a low-cost counseling program in improving employment status and reducing sick leave.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 184 patients at risk of long-term sick leave.
- Participants were randomized into an intervention group (receiving social worker support) and a reference group.
- Vocational outcomes and sick leave duration were analyzed after one year using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The intervention group did not show a significantly higher likelihood of gainful employment after one year.
- The intervention did not lead to a reduction in the average number of sick leave days.
Conclusions:
- A counseling program targeting motivation, goal setting, and planning did not improve vocational outcomes.
- The intervention was ineffective in reducing sick leave among patients with work-related disorders.