A pilot randomized controlled trial on motivational interviewing in return to work after work disability

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychological Interventions

Background:

• Long-term work disability impacts individuals and necessitates effective return-to-work (RTW) strategies.
• Understanding the psychological factors influencing RTW is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of a 15-minute Motivational Interviewing (MI) consultation on return to work (RTW) and relapse rates in patients with prolonged work disability.
• To determine if psychological variables mediate the impact of MI on RTW and relapse outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 265 patients with work disability exceeding 3 months.
• Comparison between a 15-minute MI consultation group and a control group receiving usual care (CAU).
• Assessment of RTW, relapse, work-related motivation (MAWS), psychological needs (BPNSFS), quality of life (EQ5D5L), and work ability (WAI) over a 12-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Patients receiving MI demonstrated a significantly faster return to work (RTW) compared to the CAU group.
• The MI group experienced a lower incidence of relapse after resuming work.
• No statistically significant differences were observed between the MI and CAU groups in the measured psychological outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Counseling incorporating MI shows promise in accelerating RTW and reducing relapse for work-disabled patients.
• The underlying psychological mechanisms responsible for the observed RTW benefits of MI remain unclear.
• Further research, including a full RCT, is recommended to elucidate these mechanisms and confirm findings.