Re-work: a new Japanese support system for reinstatement

Re-work is a new treatment technique that follows the conventional Japanese approach, which includes rest and pharmacotherapy. The aim of re-work is to prevent repeated sick leave by helping individuals reflect on the reasons behind the sick leave and improve stress-related coping skills. Re-work participants prepare in an environment similar to their workplaces at a medical institution or a specialised public facility for several months before returning to work. As re-work is undertaken via group work, this has benefits beyond those which can be achieved by an individual alone. The reinstatement effects of re-work are now starting to be verified. Issues of interest for re-work include its unified concept-based programme, and the need to further verify its clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness.