Abstract
Musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases affect a substantial proportion of the population. Specialist consultations were offered at the workplace for people with musculoskeletal (MSK)-complaints. We analyzed data on pain and well-being as well as health economic data at baseline. Lasting effects of the consultation were analyzed at a follow-up-interview after 12 months. Baseline data of 344 individuals were available. Occupations were divided into physically highly demanding (HD) or less demanding. Women reported significantly higher pain levels and less QoL than men. Sick leave days were significantly more in HD-workers. Independent of workload, significantly higher percentages of women had cervical- and upper limb-pain than men, with significantly higher pain in upper limbs in HD-workers. 235 participants were available for telephone-follow-up. QoL and MSK-pain improved significantly. Yearly out-of-pocket spendings for treatments significantly increased. NSAID use significantly decreased, whereas use of non-drug musculoskeletal-medical-services was significantly higher after one year. Regarding MSK-symptoms in gainfully employed individuals, the study showed significantly different workload-dependent differences in QoL. Significant effects of a consultation by a MSK-specialist were shown in terms of improved MSK-pain and overall well-being. This workplace-centered consultation had significant effects on beneficial health-behavior such as decreased use of NSAID and increased engagement in gymnastics and physiotherapy.
Highlights
Musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms affect a substantial proportion of the population
Workplace health promotion in Austria is not fully defined by law, it is seen as part of the obligations in the context of occupational health protection which is regulated by federal laws and regulations defining and requiring minimal extent of health services according to size and type of company
Between October 2014 and December 2016, 413 individuals, participated in the program; 344 individuals (83,3%) consented to being enrolled in the present study. 102 individuals were lost to follow-up and 7 were excluded due to interim development of medical conditions
Summary
Musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms affect a substantial proportion of the population. Rheumatic and MSK diseases (MSDs) are the most frequent cause of disability-retirement and one of the most frequent causes of sick leave in Austria[1,2]. Individuals who are actively working and not retired, frequently seek medical help or advice only when symptoms are chronically present and at a time when complaints have already led to loss of productivity or workability[8] This delay is caused by neglect or negation of MSDs9, a lack of general information[10,11], lack of knowledge about available therapies[12], the availability and (geographical) proximity of specialists, or a mix thereof[8]. Workplace health promotion in Austria is not fully defined by law, it is seen as part of the obligations in the context of occupational health protection which is regulated by federal laws and regulations defining and requiring minimal extent of health services according to size and type of company Research shows this approach is the most effective way of ensuring people with MSDs to enter and remain in work[13,14,15], only “health-conscious” companies voluntarily offer benefits to employees in excess of the minimum statutory requirements. We analyzed possible differences in degree and distribution of MSK-symptoms, general well-being and psychological factors with regard to gender and workload of the participants
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