Frequency of Participation in a Return-to-Work Program Predicts Successful Work Restoration but Not Maintenance.

Yuriko Hoaki,Takeshi Terao

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.620520

Abstract

Several predictors for work restoration and maintenance of restoration have been examined among employees with mood and/or anxiety disorders, but whether frequency of participation in a return-to-work (RTW) program can predict successful work restoration and maintenance remains unclear. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the hypothesis that the frequency of RTW program participation can predict successful work restoration and maintenance. Among seventy-seven patients attending an RTW program, the frequency of participation was positively associated with work restoration but not with maintenance. The result was in partial agreement (restoration) and partial disagreement (maintenance of restoration) with our hypothesis. Thus, the present study suggests that the frequency of participation in an RTW program can predict successful work restoration but not maintenance.

Highlights

Several predictors of work restoration among employees with mood and/or anxiety disorders have been examined by past studies
The binary logistic regression analysis with forced entry showed the significance of the model (χ 2 = 12.594, p = 0.027) and that the frequency of return to work (RTW) program participation was significantly associated with restoration, but not with the other factors (Table 1)
Cox regression analysis with stepwise backward elimination (Wald) showed the significance of the model (χ2 = 7.225, p = 0.027) and that maintenance of restoration was significantly associated with gender, but not with the frequency of RTW program participation

Summary

Introduction

Several predictors of work restoration among employees with mood and/or anxiety disorders have been examined by past studies. Regarding interventions that may enhance RTW, systematic reviews suggest that medication, enhanced primary care, and psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at symptom reduction [e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)] do not improve RTW among employees on sick leave due to RTW Program Participation and Restoration mental health problems [3, 4]. A recent meta-analysis [13] suggests that work-directed interventions (occupational therapy and multi-component work intervention incorporating work modification and support) combined with a clinical intervention can be effective in reducing sickness absence and that enhancing occupational or primary care with CBT and structured telephone outreach with care management that includes medication has the potential to reduce sick leave; the number of related studies is small. Sick leave days are important because it reflects directly mental and physical health and indirectly work stress, which is linked to the effects of RTW intervention

Methods

Results

Conclusion