Occupational therapy in reducing sick leave for employees with psychological or musculoskeletal problems: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Background: Within Flanders’ social security system, a new intervention has been introduced: InWorkCoaching. An occupational therapist (OT) coaches employees who are on sick-leave, under supervision of an insurance... [ view full abstract ]
Background:
Within Flanders’ social security system, a new intervention has been introduced: InWorkCoaching. An occupational therapist (OT) coaches employees who are on sick-leave, under supervision of an insurance physician. The OT-coaching starts soon after the start of sick leave, and far in advance of the “normal” medical control consultation by the insurance physician. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of OT-coaching in reducing sick leave for employees with psychological or musculoskeletal problems.
Method:
A single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed in people on sick-leave due to psychological or musculoskeletal problems (aged<60 years). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: A) Usual care (normal medical control consultation) and B) Usual Care + OT-intervention.
Outcome measures: return to work (sick-leave days), relapse, quality of life (SF-36) and self-efficacy.
Results:
N=334 (group A: n=165 group B: n=169). Interim results (6 months follow-up) showed a decrease of 12% in sick-leave days and a significant? increase in QoL (p=0.006) (psychological problems) and self-efficacy (p=0.001) (psychological and musculoskeletal problems). The results of 12 months follow-up will be analyzed at the end of 2015.
Conclusion:
Preliminary results indicate a beneficial effect of the OT-coaching sessions in reducing sick-leave days, as well as improving quality of life and self-efficacy. Long-term results will be available at time of the conference.
Application to Practice:
This study showed a sustainable model of an OT-based return to work intervention in every day practice. OT’s can contribute to the reduction of work absenteeism in the community.
Authors
-
Rik Loenders
(Landsbond der Christelijke Mutualiteiten)
-
Dirk Dhollander
(Landsbond der Christelijke Mutualiteiten)
-
Elke Smeers
(KU Leuven Department of Environment and Health & MSc in Occupational Therapy, KU Leuven & Ghent University, Belgium)
-
Florence Wolfs
(Landsbond der Christelijke Mutualiteiten & MSc in Occupational Therapy, KU Leuven & Ghent University, Belgium)
-
Daphne Kos
(KU Leuven Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Belgium)
Topic Areas
Europe 2020 targets and occupational therapy /science development , Horizon 2020 and occupational therapy / science research , WHO 2020 health promotion and disease prevention , Education / Research / Professional Challenges , Occupational Justice , Research methods , Practice and intervention methods , New and innovative intervention , Evidence based practice , Multiprofessional issues in practice, research and education , Service user involvement in developing practice education and research enablement , Vocational, reintegration and work
Session
OS - 1D » Working with people with Chronic Illness (14:00 - Thursday, 16th June, D'Arcy Thompson Theatre)
Paper
Abstract_Oral_Rik_Loenders-DK.docx
