Feasibility evaluation of a return-to-work program for workers with common mental disorders: Stakeholders'...

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Mental health services research
• Rehabilitation medicine

Background:

• Common mental disorders significantly impact work ability.
• Effective return-to-work programs are crucial for employee well-being and economic productivity.
• Stakeholder perspectives are vital for program development and implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a novel return-to-work program for individuals with common mental disorders.
• To gather insights from key stakeholders including insurers, employers, unions, and workers.
• To identify potential barriers and facilitators to program implementation.

Main Methods:

• A sequential mixed-methods design was employed.
• A survey assessed stakeholder agreement on program feasibility.
• Focus groups and interviews explored stakeholder reflections and co-constructed shared perspectives.

Main Results:

• Stakeholders generally agreed on the feasibility of program objectives, components, and duration.
• Identified obstacles primarily related to employer contexts, such as job accommodation difficulties.
• Facilitators were proposed, though diverging views emerged on the roles of unions and health professionals.

Conclusions:

• The return-to-work program is perceived as feasible with consideration of identified factors.
• Addressing employer-specific challenges and differing stakeholder views is recommended.
• The next phase involves evaluating the program's real-world implementation.