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Van Eerd D, Le Pouésard M, Yanar B, Irvin E, Gignac MAM, Jetha A, Morose T, Tompa E. Return-to-Work Experiences in Ontario Policing: Injured But Not Broken. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2024; 34:265-277. [PMID: 37735312 PMCID: PMC10899295 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10135-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Police officers and others working in police services are exposed to challenging and traumatic situations that can result in physical and/or psychological injuries requiring time off work. Safely returning to work post-injury is critical, yet little is known about current return-to-work (RTW) practices in police services. This study examines RTW practices and experiences in police services from the perspective of RTW personnel and workers with physical and/or psychological health conditions. METHODS We used a purposive sampling approach to recruit sworn and civilian members from several police services in Ontario, Canada. The recruited members had experienced RTW either as a person in a RTW support role or as a worker with a work-related injury/illness. We conducted and transcribed interviews for analysis and used qualitative research methods to identify themes in the data. RESULTS Five overarching themes emerged. Two pointed to the context and culture of police services and included matters related to RTW processes, injury/illness complexity, the hierarchical nature of police organizations, and a culture of stoicism and stigma. The remaining three themes pointed to the RTW processes of accommodation, communication and trust-building. They included issues related to recovery from injury/illness, meaningful accommodation, timely and clear communication, malingering and trust. CONCLUSIONS Our findings point to potential areas for improving RTW practices in police services: greater flexibility, more clarity, stricter confidentiality and reduced stigma. More research is needed on RTW practices for managing psychological injuries to help inform policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Van Eerd
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S9, Canada.
| | - M Le Pouésard
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S9, Canada
| | - B Yanar
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S9, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - E Irvin
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S9, Canada
| | - M A M Gignac
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S9, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - A Jetha
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S9, Canada
| | - T Morose
- Public Services Health and Safety Association, 4950 Yonge St, North York, ON, M2N 6K1, Canada
| | - E Tompa
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S9, Canada
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2
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Starke F, Sikora A, Stegmann R, Knebel L, Buntrock C, de Rijk A, Houkes I, Szycik GR, Unger HP, Schumacher JO, Stark H, Hauth I, Holzapfel C, Borgolte A, Schneller C, Unterschemmann SL, Paetow W, Jung AL, Berking M, Zimmermann J, Wegewitz U. Evaluating a multimodal, clinical and work-directed intervention (RTW-PIA) to support sustainable return to work among employees with mental disorders: study protocol of a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:380. [PMID: 37254157 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders (MDs) are one of the leading causes for workforce sickness absence and disability worldwide. The burden, costs and challenges are enormous for the individuals concerned, employers and society at large. Although most MDs are characterised by a high risk of relapse after treatment or by chronic courses, interventions that link medical-psychotherapeutic approaches with work-directed components to facilitate a sustainable return to work (RTW) are rare. This protocol describes the design of a study to evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness and implementation process of a multimodal, clinical and work-directed intervention, called RTW-PIA, aimed at employees with MDs to achieve sustainable RTW in Germany. METHODS The study consists of an effectiveness, a health-economic and a process evaluation, designed as a two-armed, multicentre, randomised controlled trial, conducted in German psychiatric outpatient clinics. Sick-listed employees with MDs will receive either the 18-month RTW-PIA treatment in conjunction with care as usual, or care as usual only. RTW-PIA consists of a face-to-face individual RTW support, RTW aftercare group meetings, and web-based aftercare. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after completion of baseline survey. The primary outcome is the employees´ achievement of sustainable RTW, defined as reporting less than six weeks of working days missed out due to sickness absence within 12 months after first RTW. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, mental functioning, RTW self-efficacy, overall job satisfaction, severity of mental illness and work ability. The health-economic evaluation will be conducted from a societal and public health care perspective, as well as from the employer's perspective in a cost-benefit analysis. The design will be supplemented by a qualitative effect evaluation using pre- and post-interviews, and a multimethod process evaluation examining various predefined key process indicators from different stakeholder perspectives. DISCUSSION By applying a comprehensive, multimethodological evaluation design, this study captures various facets of RTW-PIA. In case of promising results for sustainable RTW, RTW-PIA may be integrated into standard care within German psychiatric outpatient clinics. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00026232 , 1 September 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Starke
- Division 3 Work and Health, Unit 3.5 Evidence-based Occupational Health, Workplace Health Management, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr. 40-42, Berlin, 10317, Germany.
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexandra Sikora
- Division 3 Work and Health, Unit 3.5 Evidence-based Occupational Health, Workplace Health Management, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr. 40-42, Berlin, 10317, Germany
| | - Ralf Stegmann
- Division 3 Work and Health, Unit 3.5 Evidence-based Occupational Health, Workplace Health Management, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr. 40-42, Berlin, 10317, Germany
| | - Leonie Knebel
- Division 3 Work and Health, Unit 3.5 Evidence-based Occupational Health, Workplace Health Management, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr. 40-42, Berlin, 10317, Germany
| | - Claudia Buntrock
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Faculty of Medicine, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU), Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Nägelsbachstr. 25a, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Angelique de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Houkes
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Gregor R Szycik
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Podbielskistr. 162, Hanover, OE7110, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Unger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Centre for Mental Health, Asklepios Clinic Harburg, Eißendorfer Pferdeweg 52, Hamburg, 21075, Germany
| | - Jan Ole Schumacher
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Centre for Mental Health, Asklepios Clinic Harburg, Eißendorfer Pferdeweg 52, Hamburg, 21075, Germany
| | - Heiko Stark
- Department of Psychiatry, Burghof-Clinic, Ritterstr. 19, 31737, Rinteln, Germany
| | - Iris Hauth
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Alexian St. Joseph-Hospital Berlin-Weissensee, Gartenstr. 1, 13088, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anna Borgolte
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Podbielskistr. 162, Hanover, OE7110, Germany
| | - Carlotta Schneller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Alexian St. Joseph-Hospital Berlin-Weissensee, Gartenstr. 1, 13088, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Wiebke Paetow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Centre for Mental Health, Asklepios Clinic Harburg, Eißendorfer Pferdeweg 52, Hamburg, 21075, Germany
| | - Anna Lena Jung
- Clinic Wittgenstein, Sählingsstr. 60, 57319, Bad Berleburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Berking
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Nägelsbachstr. 25a, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Zimmermann
- Department of Psychology, University of Kassel, Holländische Str. 36-38, 34127, Kassel, Germany
| | - Uta Wegewitz
- Division 3 Work and Health, Unit 3.5 Evidence-based Occupational Health, Workplace Health Management, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr. 40-42, Berlin, 10317, Germany
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Calvet B, Vézina N, Laberge M, Nastasia I, Sultan-Taïeb H, Toulouse G, Rubiano P, Durand MJ. Integrative prevention and coordinated action toward primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in workplaces: A scoping review. Work 2021; 70:893-908. [PMID: 34744036 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrated approaches are valued in several occupational health strategic programmatic orientations. A better understanding of the use of integrative prevention in coordinating measures is needed to develop its use in workplaces. OBJECTIVE Identify workplace integrative prevention approaches and definitions of prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary) in the literature. METHODS A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley (2005). The literature search was carried out in three databases without date restrictions. In order to be retained, the articles needed to address at least two levels of prevention using an integrative approach in a workplace setting. A qualitative analysis was conducted. RESULTS The review yielded 16 published articles between 1995 and 2017. The articles addressed mental health, musculoskeletal disorder prevention and comprehensive approaches. Integrative prevention approaches are diverse and are not always named as such. Prevention definitions are not homogenous. CONCLUSIONS This review identified some of the integrative prevention characteristics aimed at coordinated action for prevention in the workplace and to clarify measures taken at different levels of prevention. Further studies are needed to elaborate on the implementation of integrative prevention in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Calvet
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-être, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole Vézina
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-être, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Laberge
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-être, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Iuliana Nastasia
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Hélène Sultan-Taïeb
- ESG-UQAM School of Management, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Georges Toulouse
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Paula Rubiano
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-être, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-José Durand
- Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada.,CHU Ste-Justine Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
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4
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Greidanus MA, de Rijk AE, de Boer AGEM, Bos MEMM, Plaisier PW, Smeenk RM, Frings-Dresen MHW, Tamminga SJ. A randomised feasibility trial of an employer-based intervention for enhancing successful return to work of cancer survivors (MiLES intervention). BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1433. [PMID: 34289828 PMCID: PMC8293550 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Employers express a need for support during sickness absence and return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors. Therefore, a web-based intervention (MiLES) targeted at employers with the objective of enhancing cancer survivors' successful RTW has been developed. This study aimed to assess feasibility of a future definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention. Also preliminary results on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention were obtained. METHODS A randomised feasibility trial of 6 months was undertaken with cancer survivors aged 18-63 years, diagnosed with cancer < 2 years earlier, currently in paid employment, and sick-listed < 1 year. Participants were randomised to an intervention group, with their employer receiving the MiLES intervention, or to a waiting-list control group (2:1). Feasibility of a future definitive RCT was determined on the basis of predefined criteria related to method and protocol-related uncertainties (e.g. reach, retention, appropriateness). The primary effect measure (i.e. successful RTW) and secondary effect measures (e.g. quality of working life) were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months thereafter. RESULTS Thirty-five cancer survivors were included via medical specialists (4% of the initially invited group) and open invitations, and thereafter randomised to the intervention (n = 24) or control group (n = 11). Most participants were female (97%) with breast cancer (80%) and a permanent employment contract (94%). All predefined criteria for feasibility of a future definitive RCT were achieved, except that concerning the study's reach (90 participants). After 6 months, 92% of the intervention group and 100% of the control group returned to work (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.81-1.03); no difference were found with regard to secondary effect measures. CONCLUSIONS With the current design a future definitive RCT on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention on successful RTW of cancer survivors is not feasible, since recruitment of survivors fell short of the predefined minimum for feasibility. There was selection bias towards survivors at low risk of adverse work outcomes, which reduced generalisability of the outcomes. An alternative study design is needed to study effectiveness of the MiLES intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study has been registered in the Dutch Trial Register ( NL6758/NTR7627 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Greidanus
- Department Public and Occupational Health/ Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A E de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A G E M de Boer
- Department Public and Occupational Health/ Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M E M M Bos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P W Plaisier
- Department of Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Albert Schweitzerplaats 25, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R M Smeenk
- Department of Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Albert Schweitzerplaats 25, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M H W Frings-Dresen
- Department Public and Occupational Health/ Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S J Tamminga
- Department Public and Occupational Health/ Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Klevanger NE, Fimland MS, Rise MB. Aligning stakeholders' understandings of the return-to-work process: a qualitative study on workplace meetings in inpatient multimodal occupational rehabilitation. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 16:1946927. [PMID: 34278973 PMCID: PMC8291062 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1946927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Although it is believed that involving the workplace and stakeholders in return-to-work interventions is beneficial, Norwegian occupational rehabilitation programmes rarely do. During 2015–2016, Hysnes Rehabilitation Centre provided inpatient multimodal occupational rehabilitation, including workplace meetings with employees, supervisors, and rehabilitation therapists. This study aims to explore the meetings´ content and stakeholders´ experiences.Methods: This was a multiple case study including non-participant observation of workplace meetings and interviews with participantsResults: Essential features of meetings included revealing and aligning the employee’s and supervisor’s understandings. Three components seemed instrumental in developing shared understandings leading to appropriate adjustments: 1) disclosing causes of absence, 2) validating difficulties, attitudes, and efforts, and 3) delimiting responsibility. Therapists played a vital role in addressing these components, supporting employees, and ensuring planning of appropriate solutions.Conclusion: Developing shared understandings by addressing and aligning illness- and return-to-work representations appears important for return-to-work interventions. Although pivotal to developing appropriate adjustments, disclosure depends upon supervisors’ display of understanding and should not be encouraged without knowledge of the employee´s work situation. How supervisors relate to employees and implement adjustments may be as important as the types of adjustments. The therapist’s support and validation of employees in vulnerable situations also seem valuable.Trial registration: The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02541890), 4 September 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02541890.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Elisabeth Klevanger
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marius Steiro Fimland
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Centre, Rissa, Norway.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit By Rise
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Camisa V, Gilardi F, Di Brino E, Santoro A, Vinci MR, Sannino S, Bianchi N, Mesolella V, Macina N, Focarelli M, Brugaletta R, Raponi M, Ferri L, Cicchetti A, Magnavita N, Zaffina S. Return on Investment (ROI) and Development of a Workplace Disability Management Program in a Hospital-A Pilot Evaluation Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218084. [PMID: 33147861 PMCID: PMC7662934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The progressive ageing of the working population and the increase in related chronic diseases tend to affect working capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate a Workplace Disability Management Program (WDMP) within a pediatric hospital. Absenteeism due to healthcare workers’ (HCWs) pre- and post- WDMP and the related costs were used for the program evaluation. The Return on Investment (ROI), the Break-Even Analysis (BEA) and the value of the average annual productivity of HCWs who took advantage of the Disability Management (DM) interventions to assess the economic impact of the program, were also used. The HCWs enrolled in the program were 131 (approximately 4% of hospital staff), of which 89.7% females and with an average age of 50.4 years (SD ± 8.99). Sick leave days of the HCWs involved decreased by 66.6% in the year following the end of WDMP compared to the previous one (p < 0.001). The total estimated cost reduction of absenteeism is 427,896€ over a year. ROI was equal to 27.66€. BEA indicated that the break-even point was reached by implementing the program on 3.27 HCWs. The program evaluation demonstrated the particular effectiveness of the implemented WDMP model, acting positively on the variables that affect productivity and the limitation to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Camisa
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Service, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (F.G.); (A.S.); (M.R.V.); (R.B.)
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (N.M.)
| | - Francesco Gilardi
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Service, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (F.G.); (A.S.); (M.R.V.); (R.B.)
| | - Eugenio Di Brino
- Graduate School of Health Economics and Management, Catholic University of Sacred Heart (ALTEMS), 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.D.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Annapaola Santoro
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Service, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (F.G.); (A.S.); (M.R.V.); (R.B.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Vinci
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Service, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (F.G.); (A.S.); (M.R.V.); (R.B.)
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (N.M.)
| | - Serena Sannino
- Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Natalia Bianchi
- Nursing and Health Allied Professionals Service, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Valentina Mesolella
- Human Resources Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (N.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Nadia Macina
- Human Resources Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (N.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Michela Focarelli
- Human Resources Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (N.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Rita Brugaletta
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Service, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (F.G.); (A.S.); (M.R.V.); (R.B.)
| | - Massimiliano Raponi
- Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Livia Ferri
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (N.M.)
| | - Americo Cicchetti
- Graduate School of Health Economics and Management, Catholic University of Sacred Heart (ALTEMS), 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.D.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Nicola Magnavita
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (N.M.)
- Department of Woman, Child & Public Health, Gemelli Policlinic Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Service, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (F.G.); (A.S.); (M.R.V.); (R.B.)
- Human Resources Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (N.M.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-6859-3150; Fax: +39-06-6859-3852
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7
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Fitch MI, Nicoll I. Returning to work after cancer: Survivors', caregivers', and employers' perspectives. Psychooncology 2019; 28:792-798. [PMID: 30720242 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Return to Work Initiative was launched to build a comprehensive understanding of issues, needs, current resources, and available supports for Canadian cancer survivors returning to work as the basis for developing a national action plan. METHODS This Initiative drew on perspectives of stakeholders through a survey and consultations with cancer survivors and caregivers to learn about challenges regarding return to work and interviews and focus groups with workplace representatives and employers to determine issues encountered in the workplace. Common perspectives across stakeholder groups were identified. RESULTS Cancer survivors (n = 410) described reduction in income, positive and negative experiences returning to work, and work-related issues regarding side effects. Caregivers (n = 60) described loss of concentration and productivity, stress, and lack of support from coworkers. Employer representatives (n = 68) revealed challenges for managers knowing how best to support cancer survivors as there are few of them of which they are aware. All stakeholders agreed that returning to work for cancer survivors is challenging. Multiple strategies are needed to achieve success: in-depth understanding of the issues, consideration of accommodation, communication among stakeholders, education, resources, and financial support. CONCLUSIONS The work provided a foundation for making decisions about how to proceed to improve return to work for Canadian cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret I Fitch
- Cancer Journey Advisory Group, Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, University of Toronto Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Irene Nicoll
- Cancer Journey Advisory Group, Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, University of Toronto Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology, Toronto, Ontario
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8
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Nowrouzi-Kia B, Sharma B, Dignard C, Kerekes Z, Dumond J, Li A, Larivière M. Systematic review: Lost-time injuries in the US mining industry. Occup Med (Lond) 2018; 67:442-447. [PMID: 28898967 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqx077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mining industry is associated with high levels of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Lost-time injuries are useful measures of health and safety in mines, and the effectiveness of its safety programmes. Aims To identify the type of lost-time injuries in the US mining workforce and to examine predictors of these occupational injuries. Methods Primary papers on lost-time injuries in the US mining sector were identified through a literature search in eight health, geology and mining databases, using a systematic review protocol tailored to each database. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP), Framework of Quality Assurance for Administrative Data Source and the Cochrane Collaboration 'Risk of bias' assessment tools were used to assess study quality. Results A total of 1736 articles were retrieved before duplicates were removed. Fifteen articles were ultimately included with a CASP mean score of 6.33 (SD 0.62) out of 10. Predictors of lost-time injuries included slips and falls, electric injuries, use of mining equipment, working in underground mining, worker's age and occupational experience. Conclusions This is the first systematic review of lost-time injuries in the US mining sector. The results support the need for further research on factors that contribute to workplace lost-time injuries as there is limited literature on the topic. Safety analytics should also be applied to uncover new trends and predict the likelihood of future incidents before they occur. New insights will allow employers to prevent injuries and foster a safer workplace environment by implementing successful occupational health and safety programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Nowrouzi-Kia
- Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Sharma
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Dignard
- Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Z Kerekes
- Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.,Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - J Dumond
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Li
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Larivière
- Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.,Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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9
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McDougall A, Nowrouzi-Kia B. Work Disability Prevention: A Primer for Occupational Therapists. Am J Occup Ther 2018; 71:7106360010p1-7106360010p4. [PMID: 29135434 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2017.018671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 313 million workplace accidents resulting in injury occur worldwide every year. Therefore, the burden of workplace injury and disability is present at the individual and the societal level and involves several stakeholders. There has been a shift in paradigm from workplace disability and injury treatment to workplace disability prevention. Occupational therapy practitioners are well positioned to address this multifaceted societal issue. Opening communication lines among stakeholders allows for a more holistic, collaborative, and comprehensive approach to disability, injury, and pain management. The positive results researchers have found at the individual level when using a holistic approach translate to benefits for all of the stakeholders involved. Occupational therapy practitioners may espouse a work disability prevention approach to reduce work disability rates and provide timely return-to-work outcomes for clients. The transition to the preventative model requires collaboration among stakeholders but would be beneficial to all stakeholders involved in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia McDougall
- Alicia McDougall is Student, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
- Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.), is Adjunct Faculty, School of Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada;
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10
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Aamland A, Øyeflaten I, Maeland S. Independent medical evaluation for sick-listed workers in Norway: A focus group study of the experience of IME doctors. Scand J Public Health 2017; 47:70-77. [PMID: 29199916 DOI: 10.1177/1403494817745001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norwegian politicians have proposed the use of an independent medical evaluation (IME) as a possible solution for reducing long-term sick leave. The use of an IME implies that a new doctor interferes in the relationship between sick-listed workers and their general practitioner (GP). The aim of the current study was to explore experiences of IME doctors from an ongoing randomized controlled trial (the NIME trial evaluating the effect of IME in Norway). METHODS Two focus group interviews were conducted with eight of the nine IME doctors employed in the NIME trial. The discussions were audio-taped and transcribed. Systematic text condensation was used for analysis. RESULTS The participants reported that the IME provides important second opinions, which they felt empowered the sick-listed workers and provided new insights into their condition. Beneficial IME working conditions and enhanced insight into different sick leave measures were crucial to this perceived usefulness. Some of the participants expressed disappointment with GPs acting as passive conductors and struggled to provide feedback politely. Some adjustments were proposed as necessary for the IME to be implemented nationwide. CONCLUSIONS The participants seemed to have gained a different stakeholder identity by sometimes seeing GPs, their peers, as obstacles to return to work and welcomed the use of IME on a regular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aase Aamland
- 1 Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Research Health, Norway
| | - Irene Øyeflaten
- 2 National Centre for Occupational Rehabilitation, Norway.,3 Uni Research Health, Uni Research, Norway
| | - Silje Maeland
- 3 Uni Research Health, Uni Research, Norway.,4 Department of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Radiography, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
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Wagner S, Buys N, Yu I, Geisen T, Harder H, Randall C, Fraess-Phillips A, Hassler B, Scott L, Lo K, Tang D, Howe C. International employee perspectives on disability management. Disabil Rehabil 2017. [PMID: 28637132 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1284907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide an international analysis of employees' views of the influence of disability management (DM) on the workplace. METHODOLOGY An international research team with representation from Australia, Canada, China, and Switzerland collected survey data from employees in public and private companies in their respective regions. Due to lack of availability of current measures, a research team-created survey was used and a total of 1201 respondents were collected across the four countries. ANALYSIS Multiple linear (enter) regression was also employed to predict DM's influence on job satisfaction, physical health, mental health, workplace morale and reduced sickness absence, from respondents' perceptions of whether their company provided disability prevention, stay-at-work, and return-to-work initiatives within their organization. One-way ANOVA comparisons were used to examine differences on demographic variables including company status (public versus private), union status (union versus nonunion), and gender. RESULTS The perceived influence of DM programs was related to perceptions of job satisfaction; whereas, relationships with mental health, physical health, morale, and sickness absence were variable according to type of DM program and whether the response was related to self or others. Difference analyses (ANOVA) revealed significantly more positive perceptions for private and nonunion organizations; no gender effects were found. CONCLUSIONS There is perceived value of DM from the perspective of employees, especially with respect to its value for coworkers. Implications for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation efforts should continue to focus attention on the value of disability management (DM). In particular, DM that is fully committed to the biopsychosocial model would be supported by this research. Employees reported the most value in the psychosocial variables addressed by DM, such that rehabilitation professionals could focus on these valued aspects to improve buy-in from employees. The interest in coworker value may provide another avenue for rehabilitation efforts to increase uptake, by highlighting the value of intervention efforts for employee coworkers. Rehabilitation professionals in union environments may need to be particularly cognizant of the need for encouraging psychosocial and coworker value potentially seen by employees in order to increase acceptance and participation for organizational DM efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Wagner
- a School of Health Sciences , University of Northern British Columbia , Prince George , BC , Canada
| | - Nicholas Buys
- b Griffith Health Centre, Griffith University , Gold Coast , QLD , Australia
| | - Ignatius Yu
- c Hong Kong Occupational & Environmental Health Academy , Tsimshatsui , Hong Kong
| | - Thomas Geisen
- d School of Social Work , University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland , Olten , Switzerland
| | - Henry Harder
- a School of Health Sciences , University of Northern British Columbia , Prince George , BC , Canada
| | - Christine Randall
- e School of Allied Health Sciences , Griffith University , Gold Coast , QLD , Australia
| | - Alex Fraess-Phillips
- a School of Health Sciences , University of Northern British Columbia , Prince George , BC , Canada
| | - Benedikt Hassler
- d School of Social Work , University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland , Olten , Switzerland
| | - Liz Scott
- f Organizational Solutions , Burlington , ON , Canada
| | - Karen Lo
- g Hong Kong Workers' Health Centre , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Dan Tang
- h The Guangdong Provincial Work Injury Rehabilitation Centre , Guangzhou , China
| | - Caroline Howe
- b Griffith Health Centre, Griffith University , Gold Coast , QLD , Australia
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12
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Maiwald K, Meershoek A, de Rijk A, Nijhuis FJN. Policy on professional support in return-to-work: Occupational health professionals' experiences in a Canadian setting. Work 2017; 53:143-56. [PMID: 26409384 DOI: 10.3233/wor-152141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada and other countries, sickness-based absences among workers is an economic and sociological problem. Return-to-work (RTW) policy developed by both employer and worker' representatives (that is, bipartite policy) is preferred to tackle this problem. OBJECTIVE The intent was to examine how this bipartite agreed-upon RTW policy works from the perspective of occupational health professionals (those who deliver RTW services to workers with temporary or permanent disabilities) in a public healthcare organization in Canada. METHODS In-depth interviews were held with 9 occupational health professionals and transcribed verbatim. A qualitative, social constructivist, analysis was completed. RESULTS The occupational health professionals experienced four main problems: 1) timing and content of physicians' medical advice cannot be trusted as a basis for RTW plans; 2) legal status of the plans and thus needing workers' consent and managers' approval can create tension, conflict and delays; 3) limited input and thus little fruitful inference in transdisciplinary meetings at the workplace; and yet 4) the professionals can be called to account for plans. CONCLUSIONS Bipartite representation in developing RTW policy does not entirely delete bottlenecks in executing the policy. Occupational health professionals should be offered more influence and their professionalism needs to be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Maiwald
- Care And Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes Meershoek
- CAPHRI, Department of Health Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Angelique de Rijk
- Care And Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans J N Nijhuis
- CAPHRI, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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13
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Maeland S, Magnussen LH, Eriksen HR, Werner EL, Helle-Valle A, Hensing G. Correspondence in Stakeholder Assessment of Health, Work Capacity and Sick Leave in Workers with Comorbid Subjective Health Complaints? A Video Vignette Study. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2016; 26:340-349. [PMID: 26615412 PMCID: PMC4967420 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-015-9618-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to test if there is correspondence in stakeholders' assessments of health, work capacity and sickness certification in four workers with comorbid subjective health complaints based on video vignettes. Methods A cross sectional survey among stakeholders (N = 514) in Norway in 2009/2010. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression was used to obtain the estimated probability of stakeholders choosing 100 % sick leave, partial sick leave or work and the estimation of odds ratio of stakeholder assessment compared to the other stakeholders for the individual worker. Results The supervisors were less likely to assess poor health and reduced work capacity, and more likely to suggest partial sick leave and full time work compared to the GPs for worker 1. The public was less likely to assess comorbidity and reduced work capacity, and 6 and 12 times more likely to suggest partial sick leave and full time work compared to the GPs for worker 1. Stakeholders generally agreed in their assessments of workers 2 and 3. The public was more likely to assess poor health, comorbidity and reduced work capacity, and the supervisors more likely to assess comorbidity and reduced work capacity, compared to the GPs for worker 4. Compared to the GPs, all other stakeholders were less likely to suggest full time work for this worker. Conclusions Our results seem to suggest that stakeholders have divergent assessments of complaints, health, work capacity, and sickness certification in workers with comorbid subjective health complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silje Maeland
- Uni Research Health, Postbox 7810, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Radiography, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Liv Heide Magnussen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Radiography, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hege R Eriksen
- Uni Research Health, Postbox 7810, 5020, Bergen, Norway
- Hemil, Research Centre for Health Promotion, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erik L Werner
- Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
- Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Helle-Valle
- GAMUT - Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, University of Bergen/Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gunnel Hensing
- Section of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Vossen E, Van Gestel N, Van der Heijden BIJM, Rouwette EAJA. "Dis-able bodied" or "dis-able minded": stakeholders' return-to-work experiences compared between physical and mental health conditions. Disabil Rehabil 2016; 39:969-977. [PMID: 27211573 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2016.1172675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore if and why the return-to-work (RTW) experiences of various workplace stakeholders in the Netherlands and Denmark differ between physical and mental health conditions, and to understand the consequences of potentially different experiences for the RTW process in both health conditions. METHODS We studied 21 cases of long-term sickness absence, and held a total of 61 semi-structured interviews with the various actors involved in these cases. RESULTS Physical cases were seen as "easy" and mental cases as "difficult" to manage, based on the visibility and predictability of health complaints. On this ground, assessing work ability and following required RTW actions were perceived as more urgent in mental than in physical cases. Despite these perceptions, in practice, the assessment of work ability seemed to impair the RTW process in mental cases (but not in physical ones), and the (non-)uptake of RTW actions appeared to have similar results in both mental and physical cases. CONCLUSIONS With these outcomes, the effectiveness of a differential approach is questioned, and the relevance of a bidirectional dialog on work ability and a phased RTW plan is highlighted, regardless of the absence cause. Our study also demonstrates how policymakers need to strike a balance between obligatory and permissive legislation to better involve workplaces in RTW issues. Implications for rehabilitation Both physically and mentally sick-listed employees could benefit from a bidirectional dialog on work ability as well as from a phased RTW plan. A greater role for employers in the RTW process should be accompanied with a support for sick-listed employees, in both physical and mental sickness absence cases. Dutch and Danish RTW legislation could be improved by carefully balancing obligatory and permissive rules and regulations to involve workplaces in RTW matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmie Vossen
- a Institute for Management Research , Radboud University , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - Nicolette Van Gestel
- b TIAS School for Business & Society , Tilburg University , Tilburg , The Netherlands
| | - Beatrice I J M Van der Heijden
- a Institute for Management Research , Radboud University , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.,c Open University of The Netherlands , School of Management , Heerlen , The Netherlands
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15
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Lammerts L, Schaafsma FG, van Mechelen W, Anema JR. Execution of a participatory supportive return to work program within the Dutch social security sector: a qualitative evaluation of stakeholders' perceptions. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:323. [PMID: 27074885 PMCID: PMC4831193 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-2997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A process evaluation of a participatory supportive return to work program, aimed at workers without a (permanent) employment contract who are sick-listed due to a common mental disorder, revealed that this program was executed less successfully than similar programs evaluated in earlier studies. The program consisted of a participatory approach, integrated care and direct placement in competitive employment. Aim of this study was to get a better understanding of the execution of the program by evaluating stakeholders’ perceptions. In the absence of an employer, the program was applied by the Dutch Social Security Agency, in collaboration with vocational rehabilitation agencies. Together with the sick-listed workers, these were the main stakeholders. Our research questions involved stakeholders’ perceptions of the function(s) of the program, and their perceptions of barriers and facilitators for a successful execution of the program within the Dutch social security sector. Methods Semi-structured interviews were held with five sick-listed workers, eight professionals of the Social Security Agency, and two case managers of vocational rehabilitation agencies. Interview topics were related to experiences with different components of the program. Selection of respondents was based on purposive sampling and continued until data saturation was reached. Content analysis was applied to identify patterns in the data. Two researchers developed a coding system, based on predefined topics and themes emerging from the data. Results Although perceived functions of some components of the program were as intended, all stakeholders stressed that the program often had not resulted in return to work. Perceived barriers for a successful execution were related to a poor collaboration between the Dutch Social Security Agency, vocational rehabilitation agencies and healthcare providers, the type of experienced (health) problems, time constraints, and limited job opportunities. Conclusions For future implementation of the program, it will be important to consider how a better integration of services by the Dutch Social Security Agency, vocational rehabilitation agencies and the mental healthcare sector can be improved in order to address treatment and vocational needs simultaneously, and to better match the sick-listed worker with the limited opportunities in the Dutch labor market. Trial registration NTR3563 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-2997-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieke Lammerts
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, Amsterdam, MB, 1007, Netherlands.,Research Center for Insurance Medicine, AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frederieke G Schaafsma
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, Amsterdam, MB, 1007, Netherlands. .,Research Center for Insurance Medicine, AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Willem van Mechelen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, Amsterdam, MB, 1007, Netherlands
| | - Johannes R Anema
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, Amsterdam, MB, 1007, Netherlands.,Research Center for Insurance Medicine, AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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16
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Mansfield E, Stergiou-Kita M, Kirsh B, Colantonio A. After the storm: the social relations of return to work following electrical injury. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2014; 24:1183-1197. [PMID: 25097188 DOI: 10.1177/1049732314545887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we explored the experiences of 13 individuals who had suffered an electrical injury at work and had subsequently returned to work. In this article, we report on the social, institutional, and relational elements that workers perceived to influence return to work experiences and the provision of workplace accommodations. These elements included (a) worker resources, (b) job characteristics, (c) workplace setting, (d) injury elements, (e) workers' compensation context, and (f) supports and advocacy provided. We conclude that the availability and provision of supportive accommodations are influenced by a multiplicity of interrelated factors including the legitimacy of resulting impairments following electrical injury, institutional structures (e.g., compensation and health care systems), the social relations of work, and broader labor market and economic contexts. Those workers who were vulnerable because of factors such as employment circumstances or labor market conditions were often poorly supported when returning to work following electrical injury.
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Nastasia I, Coutu MF, Tcaciuc R. Topics and trends in research on non-clinical interventions aimed at preventing prolonged work disability in workers compensated for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs): a systematic, comprehensive literature review. Disabil Rehabil 2014; 36:1841-56. [PMID: 24472007 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2014.882418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study sought to provide an overview of the main topics and trends in contemporary research on successful non-clinical interventions for preventing prolonged work disability in workers compensated for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). METHODS A systematic electronic search (English and French) was performed in ten scientific databases using keywords and descriptors. After screening the identified titles and abstracts using specific sets of criteria, categorical and thematic analyses were performed on the retained articles. RESULTS Five main topics appear to dominate the research: (1) risk factors and determinants; (2) effectiveness of interventions (programmes, specific components, strategies and policies); (3) viewpoints, experiences and perceptions of specific actors involved in the intervention process; (4) compensation issues; and (5) measurement issues. A currently widespread trend is early screening to identify risks factors for appropriate intervention and multidisciplinary, multimodal approaches. Morover, workplace-related psychosocial and ergonomic factors are considered vital to the success and sustainability of return-to-work (RTW) interventions. Finally, involving workplace actors, and more specifically, affected workers, in the RTW process appears to be a powerful force in improving the chances of moving workers away from disabled status. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this literature review provide with information about the main topics and trends in research on rehabilitation interventions, revealing some successful modalities of intervention aimed at preventing prolonged work disability. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Successful intervention for preventing prolonged work disability in workers compensated for WRMSDs address workplace issues: physical and psychosocial demands at work, ability of the workers to fill these demands, work organization and support of the worker, and worker' beliefs and attitudes related to work. Successful intervention promotes collaboration, coordination between all actors and stakeholders involved in the process of rehabilitation. Strategies able to mobilize the employees, employers, insurers and health care providers are still needed to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Nastasia
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) , Montreal, Quebec , Canada and
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Hoefsmit N, de Rijk A, Houkes I. Work resumption at the price of distrust: a qualitative study on return to work legislation in the Netherlands. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:153. [PMID: 23421974 PMCID: PMC3621699 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Return to work (RTW) after sick leave is considered necessary to support the employees’ health. Cooperation between employees and employers may encourage employees’ RTW, but is hampered by bottlenecks that we do not completely understand. Dutch legislation means to support this cooperation and allows trying RTW during two years. The Resource Dependence Institutional Cooperation (RDIC) model has been developed for studying cooperation in public health. Study aims were to get insight into the degree of cooperation between Dutch sick-listed employees and employers, how this (lack of) cooperation can be understood, and how valid the RDIC model is for understanding this (lack of) cooperation. Methods This qualitative study was based on in-depth interviews with 8 employees and 8 employers. Employees reported sick for 1.5-20 months for various reasons. Interviews were analysed using an interpretative approach and pattern matching. Results Cooperation was lacking early during sick leave. Later on there were regular meetings, but employers decided about RTW without consulting the employees. Particularly employers were motivated to cooperate during the first year, while employees were especially motivated during the second. This could be understood by experienced dependence; employees (first year) and employers (second year) did not consider cooperation to be important for achieving medical recovery (employees) or RTW (employers). These divergent goals may be understood by personal norms about the timing of medical recovery and RTW. Legislation was particularly effective regarding employer behaviour in year 1 and employee behaviour in year 2. Employees distrusted their employers during the first year, while employers reported to distrust the employees during the second year. Besides, employees and employers experienced a moderate ability to cooperate. This could be understood particularly by having moderate knowledge about legislation. The RDIC model appeared to be valid to understand the cases studied, but the additional factor distrust also played a role. Conclusions Legislation appeared to support cooperation, but awareness of a mutual dependence, trust, knowledge about the legislation and personal norms regarding recovery and RTW are also important. Professionals such as occupational physicians should support this to attain a degree of cooperation that is necessary for effective RTW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hoefsmit
- Department of Social Medicine, Research School Caphri, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Maiwald K, Meershoek A, de Rijk A, Nijhuis F. How policy on employee involvement in work reintegration can yield its opposite: employee experiences in a Canadian setting. Disabil Rehabil 2012; 35:527-37. [PMID: 22897786 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2012.704123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Canada has a long tradition of involving employee representatives in developing work reintegration policies and expects this to positively affect employee involvement to improve work reintegration success. The purpose of this study was to examine employee involvement in reintegration in a Canadian province as experienced by employees. METHOD Fourteen semi-structured interviews were held with employees in a healthcare organization. The interview topic list was based on a review of local reintegration policy documents and literature. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using ethnographic methodology. RESULTS Employees do not feel in control of their reintegration trajectory. In the phase of reporting sickness absence, they wrestle with a lack of understanding on how to report in sick. In the phase of reintegration planning and coordination, they hesitate to get involved in the organization of reintegration. In the phase of reintegration plan execution, employees encounter unfulfilled expectations on interventions. CONCLUSION Employee involvement in the organization of reintegration makes them responsible for the development of reintegration trajectories. However, they consider themselves often incapable of completing this in practice. Moreover, employees experience that their contribution can boomerang on them. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION • It is not that employees are not able to think along or decide on their reintegration trajectory but rather they are expected to do so at times when they cannot oversee their illness and/or recovery trajectory. • Settings out reintegration procedures that are inflexible in practice do not recognize that employee involvement in work reintegration trajectories can develop over time. • The disability management professional has a central role in organizing and supporting employee involvement in work reintegration, however, the employees do not experience this is indeed happening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Maiwald
- Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Spiegel JM, Lockhart K, Dyck C, Wilson A, O'Hara L, Yassi A. Tool, weapon, or white elephant? A realist analysis of the five phases of a twenty-year programme of occupational health information system implementation in the health sector. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2012; 12:84. [PMID: 22867054 PMCID: PMC3532229 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6947-12-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although information systems (IS) have been extensively applied in the health sector worldwide, few initiatives have addressed the health and safety of health workers, a group acknowledged to be at high risk of injury and illness, as well as in great shortage globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Methods Adapting a context-mechanism-outcome case study design, we analyze our team’s own experience over two decades to address this gap: in two different Canadian provinces; and two distinct South African settings. Applying a realist analysis within an adapted structuration theory framing sensitive to power relations, we explore contextual (socio-political and technological) characteristics and mechanisms affecting outcomes at micro, meso and macro levels. Results Technological limitations hindered IS usefulness in the initial Canadian locale, while staffing inadequacies amid pronounced power imbalances affecting governance restricted IS usefulness in the subsequent Canadian application. Implementation in South Africa highlighted the special care needed to address power dynamics regarding both worker-employer relations (relevant to all occupational health settings) and North–south imbalances (common to all international interactions). Researchers, managers and front-line workers all view IS implementation differently; relationships amongst the workplace parties and between community and academic partners have been pivotal in determining outcome in all circumstances. Capacity building and applying creative commons and open source solutions are showing promise, as is international collaboration. Conclusions There is worldwide consensus on the need for IS use to protect the health workforce. However, IS implementation is a resource-intensive undertaking; regardless of how carefully designed the software, contextual factors and the mechanisms adopted to address these are critical to mitigate threats and achieve outcomes of interest to all parties. Issues specific to IS development, including technological support and software licensing models, can also affect outcome and sustainability – especially in the North–south context. Careful attention must be given to power relations between the various stakeholders at macro, meso and micro levels when implementing IS. North–South-South collaborations should be encouraged. Governance as well as technological issues are crucial determinants of IS application, and ultimately whether the system is seen as a tool, weapon, or white elephant by the various involved parties. "You may call me a fool, But was there a rule The weapon should be turned into a tool? And what do we see? The first tool I step on Turned into a weapon. - Robert Frost" "White (albino) elephants were regarded as holy in ancient times in Thailand and other Asian countries. Keeping a white elephant was a very expensive undertaking, since the owner had to provide the elephant with special food and provide access for people who wanted to worship it. If a Thai King became dissatisfied with a subordinate, he would give him a white elephant. The gift would, in most cases, ruin the recipient. - The Phrase Finder"
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry M Spiegel
- Global Health Research Program (GHRP), School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Tiedtke C, Donceel P, Knops L, Désiron H, Dierckx de Casterlé B, de Rijk A. Supporting return-to-work in the face of legislation: stakeholders' experiences with return-to-work after breast cancer in Belgium. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2012; 22:241-51. [PMID: 22105670 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-011-9342-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of breast cancer increasingly implies a return-to-work (RTW) challenge as survival rates increase. RTW is regarded as a multidisciplinary process and a country's legislation affects the degree of involvement of the different stakeholders. We elucidated on bottlenecks and contributing factors and the relationship between policy and practice regarding RTW of employees with breast cancer as perceived by Belgian (Flemish) stakeholders. METHODS Three multidisciplinary groups (n = 7, n = 9, n = 10) were interviewed during a breast cancer conference. Treating physicians (n = 4), employers (n = 6), social security physicians (n = 3), occupational physicians (n = 4), survivors (n = 5) and representatives of patient associations (n = 4) were included. The major theme was the legal and practical role in the RTW process as experienced by the participants. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed to analyse stakeholders' experiences of women's RTW after breast cancer. RESULTS The stakeholders reported different perspectives. Employees focus on treatment and feel ill-informed about the RTW options. Treating physicians do not feel competent about advising on work-related questions. Employers have to balance the interests of both the business and the employee. Social security physicians assess ability to work and facilitate RTW options. Occupational physicians see opportunities but the legislation does not support their involvement. Stakeholders expressed the need for coordination and reported finding ways to accommodate the employee's needs by being flexible with the legislation to support the RTW process. CONCLUSIONS Two factors might hamper RTW for breast cancer patients: the varying stakeholder perspectives and Belgian legislation which emphasizes the patient or disability role, but not the employee role. When stakeholders are motivated they find ways to support RTW, but improved legislation could support the necessary coordination of RTW for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corine Tiedtke
- Department of Occupational, Environmental and Insurance Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/5, 3000 Louvain, Belgium.
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