1
|
Svärd V, Arapovic Johansson Z, Holmlund L, Hellman T, Kwak L, Björk Brämberg E. Collaboration in the return-to-work process after sick leave due to common mental disorders: a qualitative study of stakeholders' views on goals and roles. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1567. [PMID: 38862931 PMCID: PMC11165787 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19063-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explores how the goals of collaboration in the return-to-work (RTW) process for people with common mental disorders are described by the stakeholders involved, and how they experience stakeholders' roles and responsibilities in relation to these goals. METHODS Interviews were conducted with 41 participants from three Swedish regions. Nine of the participants were workers, six employer representatives, four occupational health professionals, four social insurance officers, 18 RTW coordinators and five physicians. Thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS Three main themes and overarching goals when collaborating on RTW were identified. In the first theme, 'creating an informative environment', all stakeholders emphasised clear roles and responsibilities. The second theme, 'striving for consensus in an environment of negotiations', addressed negotiations about when and how to collaborate, on what and with whom, and reveal different views on stakeholders' goals, roles and responsibilities in collaboration. The third theme identified goals for 'creating a supportive environment' for both workers and other stakeholders. Coordinators are found to have an important role in achieving a supportive environment, and in neutralising power imbalances between workers and their employers and social insurance officers. CONCLUSIONS Competing goals and priorities were identified as hindering successful collaboration, contributing to a spectrum of complex versus easy RTW collaboration. This study suggests some basic conditions for achieving a collaborative arena that is neutral in terms of power balance, where all stakeholders can share their views.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Svärd
- Department of Social Work, School of Social Sciences, Södertörn University, Huddinge, SE-141 89, Sweden.
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Sweden.
| | - Zana Arapovic Johansson
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Lisa Holmlund
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Sweden
- Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Therese Hellman
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Lydia Kwak
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Björk Brämberg
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jansen J, Brouwer S, Alma MA, Boot CRL. Experiences of workers with long-term disabilities on employer support throughout the RTW process in The Netherlands: a qualitative study. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38660937 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2343823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this qualitative study was to explore ways that employer support influenced successful return to work (RTW) in workers with disabilities. METHODS We conducted a semi-structured interview study among 27 workers with disabilities in the Netherlands who received a partial disability benefit two years after sick leave and who continued working in paid (part-time) employment after a period of long-term sickness absence (> 2 years). We analyzed data by means of thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified four types of employer support that were experienced as factors of successful RTW: 1. Supervisor accessibility; 2. Supervisor engagement; 3. Supervisor strategies; and 4. Supervisor-initiated work accommodations. More specifically, during the preparations for RTW phase, the supervisor's active role involved having a positive and open attitude toward facilitating RTW; during the initial RTW phase, the supervisor's role involved being creative in finding solutions for work accommodations; and during the sustained RTW phase, the supervisor's role included helping workers who still needed changes in their work situations. CONCLUSION The elements of successful employer support reveals that the pressure on the shoulders of the supervisor is high. Future research should further investigate whether supervisors need more phase-specific training from their organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joke Jansen
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Health, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Brouwer
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Health, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Manna A Alma
- Department of Health Sciences, Applied Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cecile R L Boot
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Societal participation & Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Katsu A, Mackenzie L, Elliott JM, Mackey M, Tyack Z. Return-to-employment for working-aged adults after burn injury: A mixed methods scoping review. Work 2024:WOR230148. [PMID: 38578910 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This scoping review aimed to identify the barriers, facilitators and benefits of returning to work following burn injury, outcome measures used, management strategies, and models of care. OBJECTIVE To provide a comprehensive overview about working-aged adults returning to their preinjury employment after burn injury. METHODS We followed a pre-determined scoping review protocol to search MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, CCRCT and CDSR databases between 2000 to December 2023. Papers reporting primary data from previously employed adults with cutaneous burn injuries were included. RESULTS In all, 90 articles met the review criteria. Return-to-work was both an outcome goal and process of recovery from burn injury. Physical and psychological impairments were identified barriers. Job accommodations and modifications were important for supporting the transition from hospital to workplace. Employment status and quality of life sub-scales were used to measure return-to-work. CONCLUSIONS Consistent definitions of work and measurements of return-to-employment after burn injury are priorities for future research. Longitudinal studies are more likely to capture the complexity of the return-to-employment process, its impact on work participation and changes in employment over time. The social context of work may assist or hinder return-to-work more than physical environmental constraints. Equitable vocational support systems would help address disparities in vocational rehabilitation services available after burn injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akane Katsu
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lynette Mackenzie
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - James M Elliott
- The Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Mackey
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zephanie Tyack
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Centre for Healthcare Transformation and School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Holmlund L, Ljungberg HT, Bültmann U, Brämberg EB. Navigating work and life- a qualitative exploration of managers' and employees' views of return-to-work after sick leave due to common mental disorders. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:372. [PMID: 38317150 PMCID: PMC10840186 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17765-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incorporating multiple perspectives and contexts in knowledge mobilisation for return-to-work after sick leave due to common mental disorders can promote interprofessional and organisational strategies for facilitating the return-to-work process. This study aimed to explore the facilitators of and barriers to return-to-work after common mental disorders. This exploration considered the perspectives of employees and managers and the realms of work and private life. METHODS A qualitative approach was used with data from 27 semi-structured telephone interviews. The strategic sample consisted of employees who returned to work after sick leave due to common mental disorders (n = 17) and managers responsible for their return-to-work process (n = 10). Thematic analysis conducted in a six-step process was used to generate themes in the interview data. RESULTS The analysis generated three main themes with subthemes, illustrating experiences of barriers to and facilitators of return-to-work positioned in the employees' private and work contexts: (1) Getting along: managing personal difficulties in everyday life; (2) Belonging: experiencing social connectedness and support in work and private life; and (3) Organisational support: fostering a supportive work environment. The results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the return-to-work process, including the challenges individuals face at work and in private life. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that return-to-work after sick leave due to CMDs is a dynamic and ongoing process embedded in social, organisational, and societal environments. The results highlight avenues for an interprofessional approach and organisational learning to support employees and managers, including space for the employee to recover during the workday. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study recruited employees from a two-armed cluster-randomised controlled trial evaluating a problem-solving intervention for reducing sick leave among employees sick-listed due to common mental disorders (reg. NCT3346395).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Holmlund
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Box 210, Sweden.
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Fack 23 200, SE-141 83, Stockholm, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Helena Tinnerholm Ljungberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Box 210, Sweden
| | - Ute Bültmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Björk Brämberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Box 210, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Box 100, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Meling HM, Anderssen N, Ruths S, Hjörleifsson S, Haukenes I. Stakeholder views on work participation for workers with depression and intersectoral collaboration in depression care: a focus group study with a salutogenic perspective. Scand J Prim Health Care 2023; 41:204-213. [PMID: 37526348 PMCID: PMC10478590 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2023.2238019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore how stakeholders in depression care view intersectoral collaboration and work participation for workers with depression. DESIGN Focus group study applying reflexive thematic analysis using a salutogenic perspective. SETTING AND SUBJECTS We conducted seven focus group interviews in six different regions in Norway with 39 participants (28 women); three groups consisted of general practitioners (GPs), two of psychologists and psychiatrists and two of social welfare workers and employers (of which one group also included GPs). RESULTS Stakeholders considered work participation salutary for most workers with depression, given the right conditions (e.g. manageable work accommodations and accepting and inclusive workplaces). They also highlighted work as an integral source of meaningfulness to many workers with depression. Early collaborative efforts and encouraging sick-listed workers to stay connected to the workplace were considered important to avoid long and passive sickness absences. Furthermore, stakeholders' views illuminated why intersectoral collaboration matters in depression care; individual stakeholders have limited information about a worker's situation, but through collaboration and shared insight, especially in in-person collaborative meetings, they (and the worker) can gain a shared understanding of the situation, thereby enabling more optimal support. Ensuring adequate information flow for optimal and timely follow-up of workers was also emphasized. CONCLUSIONS Stakeholders highlighted the salutary properties of work participation for workers with depression under the right conditions. Intersectoral collaboration could support these conditions by sharing insight and knowledge, building a shared understanding of the worker's situation, assuring proper information flow, and ensuring early and timely follow-up of the worker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Marie Meling
- Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE – Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Norman Anderssen
- Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE – Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sabine Ruths
- Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE – Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stefán Hjörleifsson
- Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE – Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Inger Haukenes
- Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE – Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Corbière M, Charette-Dussault É, Larivière N. Recognition During the Return-to-Work Process in Workers with Common Mental Disorders. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:486-505. [PMID: 36462069 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10087-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Considering worker's perspective, the purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to document the meaning of the experience of recognition in the return to work (RTW) process of work after a sick leave due to a common mental disorder (CMD) and (2) to investigate the phenomenon of recognition for workers in the process of RTW after a sick leave due to a CMD, by evaluating the presence or absence of marks of recognition from salient RTW stakeholders stemming from different systems. Methods The Relational Caring Inquiry phenomenological method was used to explore the meaning of recognition during the return-to-work process and marks of recognition in a group of 20 workers who returned to their employment after a sick leave due to a CMD. In depth individual interviews were conducted with each participant. Results The definition of recognition that emerged from workers experiencing the RTW process is related to the behaviours and attitudes of various stakeholders, stemming from the work, health, insurance and social systems that allow them to feel appreciated, valued and respected, throughout the RTW process. Recognition was most often described as showing support, trust, respect for recovery and pace, and providing positive feedback. Conclusion The findings from this study could serve as guidelines in organizations regarding the RTW process, and in particular clarifying the roles and actions that different stakeholders could take in the workplace to stimulate expressions of meaningful recognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Corbière
- Department of Education and Pedagogy - Career Counseling, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Research Center of the Institut, Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Élyse Charette-Dussault
- Research Center of the Institut, Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nadine Larivière
- Research Center of the Institut, Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Corbière M, Willems L, Guay S, Panaccio A, Lecomte T, Mazaniello-Chézol M. Développement et tests utilisateurs de l’application Web PRATICAdr : Plateforme de Retour Au Travail axée sur les Interactions et la Communication entre les Acteurs, intégrant un programme Durable favorisant le Rétablissement. SANTE MENTALE AU QUEBEC 2021. [DOI: 10.7202/1081515ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Les troubles mentaux courants (TMC) représentent de 30 % à 50 % des absences maladies toutes confondues. Le succès du retour au travail (RAT) n’est pas dû au seul fait de l’individu, mais plutôt au résultat de l’interaction entre les acteurs impliqués dans le processus. De nombreuses applications en santé mentale ont été développées pour améliorer la prise en charge des patients et optimiser la communication entre les professionnels, sans toutefois être validées. De plus, aucune solution technologique n’a été développée à ce jour pour faciliter à la fois la concertation des acteurs du RAT (p. ex. gestionnaire, professionnels de la santé) et l’accompagnement systématique de l’employé dans son RAT.
Objectif Pour combler ces lacunes, l’objectif de cet article est double : 1) décrire le développement de l’application PRATICAdr, Plateforme de Retour Au Travail axée sur les Interactions et la Communication entre les Acteurs : un programme Durable favorisant le Rétablissement ; 2) documenter les tests utilisateurs de l’application PRATICAdr.
Méthode Le développement de PRATICAdr se décline en 3 phases : 1) l’analyse des besoins ; 2) la conceptualisation des mécanismes internes à l’application et des techniques de programmation ; 3) le test de l’application en situation réelle. L’application est évaluée par des questionnaires et entrevues pour mesurer la satisfaction des utilisateurs.
Résultats PRATICAdr permet de suivre en temps réel le parcours des acteurs impliqués dans l’accompagnement personnalisé de l’employé dans son RAT. La schématisation du processus de RAT et l’inclusion d’outils d’évaluation validés systématisent la concertation et la prise de décision partagée des acteurs, ainsi que le suivi et les actions posées en vue d’entreprendre un RAT favorisant le rétablissement. L’interface de PRATICAdr a été développée pour simplifier l’expérience utilisateur de l’employé en absence maladie et des acteurs du RAT. Les résultats de satisfaction des premiers utilisateurs de PRATICAdr, 16 employés d’une grande organisation dans le domaine de la santé en processus de RAT à la suite d’un TMC, apprécient (moyenne > 9/10) non seulement la Plateforme Web, mais également la participation des acteurs du RAT et les questionnaires inclus dans PRATICAdr. Des éléments d’amélioration sont aussi proposés.
Conclusion PRATICAdr est implantée dans 2 grandes organisations (> 15 000 employés) afin d’évaluer son efficacité auprès d’employés en absence maladie en raison d’un TMC et en processus de RAT. Dans le cadre de cet article, l’objectif était de présenter non seulement le développement de PRATICAdr, mais aussi de mesurer la satisfaction des utilisateurs. Les premiers résultats indiquent une appréciation élevée chez les employés en absence maladie, utilisateurs de PRATICAdr. En termes de pistes futures, l’intégration de l’apprentissage automatique sera abordée dans l’objectif de personnaliser le programme de RAT selon les prédictions de durée d’absence maladie et de RAT durable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Corbière
- Professeur titulaire du Département d’éducation et pédagogie – Counseling de carrière, Université du Québec à Montréal – Chercheur au Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal (CR-IUSMM) – Titulaire de la Chaire de recherche en santé mentale et travail, Fondation de l’IUSMM
| | | | - Stéphane Guay
- Professeur titulaire à l’École de criminologie et au Département de psychiatrie et d’addictologie – Université de Montréal – Directeur du Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal (CR-IUSMM)
| | - Alexandra Panaccio
- Professeure agrégée au Département de Management et Vice-Doyenne Agrément et relations avec le corps professoral, École de gestion John-Molson, Université Concordia
| | - Tania Lecomte
- Professeur titulaire du Département de pyschologie – Université de Montréal – Chercheuse au Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal (CR-IUSMM)
| | - Maud Mazaniello-Chézol
- Candidate au Doctorat au Département de Médecine de Famille – Université McGill ; Professionnelle de recherche à la Chaire de recherche en santé mentale et travail, Fondation de l’IUSMM
| |
Collapse
|