Using intervention mapping to deconstruct cognitive work hardening: a return-to-work intervention for people with...

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Mental health interventions
• Program development and evaluation

Background:

• Rising rates of mental health-related work disability leaves, with depression as a leading cause.
• Existing treatments for depression do not specifically target return-to-work (RTW) preparation.
• Cognitive Work Hardening (CWH) is a new intervention designed to bridge this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically analyze the components and mechanisms of Cognitive Work Hardening (CWH).
• To utilize Intervention Mapping (IM) as a framework for deconstructing the CWH intervention.
• To establish a clear link between CWH elements and the objective of successful RTW for individuals with depression.

Main Methods:

• Examination of cognitive impairments associated with depression and their impact on work ability.
• Analysis of interpersonal skills and work-related competencies crucial for RTW.
• Application of Intervention Mapping (IM) to deconstruct the CWH program into its constituent parts and theoretical underpinnings.

Main Results:

• CWH was successfully deconstructed into specific intervention elements.
• These elements were linked to program performance objectives via theoretical models.
• Established clear connections between CWH tools/materials and the goal of "successful RTW for people with depression".

Conclusions:

• The application of IM clarifies the theoretical basis of CWH and its components.
• Using IM to deconstruct an existing program offers an alternative application of the tool.
• This approach enhances understanding, theoretical grounding, program communication, and evaluation for CWH and similar interventions.