Return to Work After Temporary Disability Pension in Finland.

Area of Science:

• Occupational medicine
• Public health
• Social sciences

Background:

• Temporary disability pensions are granted in Finland when work ability may be restored.
• Factors influencing return to work (RTW) after temporary disability pension require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with return to work (RTW) after a fixed-term disability pension in Finland.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 10,269 Finnish residents receiving temporary disability pensions in 2008 was analyzed.
• Competing risks regression was used to examine determinants of RTW over a 4-year follow-up period, considering diagnoses like mental disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, and injuries.

Main Results:

• The overall cumulative incidence of RTW was 25%.
• RTW was more likely following pensions for injury and musculoskeletal diseases, less likely for mental disorders.
• Prior employment and participation in vocational rehabilitation significantly increased the probability of RTW.

Conclusions:

• Return to work after temporary disability pension is relatively infrequent but occurs throughout the follow-up period.
• Individuals with lower education and those not employed prior to pension need enhanced RTW support.
• Vocational rehabilitation shows a strong association with RTW, suggesting its expansion could improve outcomes for those with impaired work ability.