Sick-listed workers\u2019 experiences with motivational interviewing in the return to work process: a qualitative interview study

Vegard Stolsmo Foldal,Lene Aasdahl,Gunnhild Bagøien,Marit Solbjør,Roar Johnsen,Roger Hagen,Martin Inge Standal,Egil Andreas Fors

doi:10.1186/s12889-020-8382-9

Abstract

BackgroundWhen returning to work after being on long-term sick leave, individuals may experience varying levels of motivation and self-efficacy. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling style that aims to increase motivation towards change, and it may be useful in the return to work (RTW) process. The aim of this study was to explore sick-listed workers’ experiences with MI in the RTW process.MethodsThis qualitative study was part of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of MI on the RTW process, and it was administered by caseworkers at the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration. Sixteen sick-listed individuals, aged 33–60, participated in semi-structured interviews. All had a sick leave status of 50–100% for at least 8 weeks when interviewed and all had completed 2 MI sessions. The data was analyzed with systematic text condensation.ResultsParticipants’ experiences of the MI sessions were categorized into three themes: (1) relationship with the MI caseworker, (2) normalizing sick leave, and (3) adjusting RTW strategies. The MI sessions were experienced as a positive encounter due to the supportive relationship that was built between the MI caseworker and the sick-listed worker. Being sick listed led to feelings of guilt and stigmatization, but acceptance and support from the MI caseworkers helped normalize the situation for the sick-listed workers. Furthermore, MI sessions allowed for personalized feedback and discussions on adjustments to their RTW strategies.ConclusionSick-listed workers experienced MI as positive due to the good relationship that developed with the MI caseworker, how this normalized sick leave, and the help they received with adjusting their RTW strategies. Professionals working with individuals attempting to RTW may benefit from using MI as a method for helping sick-listed workers to RTW.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03212118 (registered July 11, 2017).

Highlights

When returning to work after being on long-term sick leave, individuals may experience varying levels of motivation and self-efficacy
A Swedish study found that unemployed longterm sick-listed individuals experienced their encounters with return to work (RTW) professionals using Motivational interviewing (MI) as positive [14]. These findings suggest that MI may be useful in a RTW context
Workplace adaptions were important when describing what could enable them to RTW, while the lack of workplace adaptions was disabling for the RTW process

Summary

Introduction

When returning to work after being on long-term sick leave, individuals may experience varying levels of motivation and self-efficacy. It has been suggested that social support, motivation, and selfefficacy play a central role in the RTW process [6,7,8]. Support from RTW professionals may positively affect the sick-listed workers’ self-efficacy and help them achieve their RTW goals [14]. This suggests that focusing on sick-listed workers’ self-efficacy and establishing a positive and respectful relationship between the sicklisted worker and the RTW professional may be a successful approach for improving RTW [14]

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Discussion

Conclusion