[Intensified Work-Related Rehabilitation Aftercare: Long-term Results of a Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial]

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensified work-related rehabilitation aftercare (IWORAC) in comparison to the conventional intensified rehabilitation aftercare (IRAC).

Patients with severe limitations of work-related functioning were recruited in 11 outpatient rehabilitation centres at the beginning of their orthopaedic rehabilitation aftercare and randomly assigned to the interventions. The control group (n=150) received the IRAC while the intervention group (n=157) received the IWORAC which amended the IRAC by work-related functional capacity training, work-related psychosocial groups, social counselling and relaxation training. The primary outcome was work ability. Treatment effects were analyzed by generalized linear regression models.

There was no statistically relevant between-group difference in follow-up primary or secondary (e. g., duration of sick leave, quality of life) outcomes. Both groups improved their quality of life and work ability considerably.

RESULTS were not in favour of the IWORAC. The improvement of existing aftercare treatments might require a stronger involvement of the employer.