[Return-to-work support programs for workers on sick leave: a systematic review and meta-analysis].

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Return-to-work programs are crucial for managing sick-listed employees.
• This study addresses a key research question from the 2017 Return-to-work Guidance in Occupational Health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of return-to-work programs for employees with cardiovascular disease, cancer, musculoskeletal, and mental health problems.
• To integrate evidence for improving return-to-work outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web.
• Evidence to decision framework and expert polling were used to formulate recommendations.
• Study protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016048937).

Main Results:

• Rehabilitation significantly accelerated return-to-work for musculoskeletal disorders (HR 1.58).
• Psychological interventions reduced sick leave for mental health problems by 18.64 days.
• No eligible studies were found for cardiovascular disease or cancer.

Conclusions:

• Workplace interventions, including psychological approaches, aid return-to-work for musculoskeletal and mental health conditions.
• European interventions require careful adaptation for Japan's occupational health system.
• High-quality, Japan-specific evidence is needed for future return-to-work strategies.