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Karlsson I, Sandman L, Axén I, Kwak L, Sernbo E, Björk Brämberg E. Ethical challenges from a problem-solving intervention with workplace involvement: a qualitative study among employees with common mental disorders, first-line managers, and rehabilitation coordinators. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2308674. [PMID: 38324667 PMCID: PMC10851822 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2308674] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to explore ethical challenges potentially arising from a problem-solving intervention with workplace involvement (PSI-WPI) in primary health care (with first-line manager involvement) for employees on sickness absence due to common mental disorders. METHODS A qualitative design guided by the theoretical framework for systematic identification of ethical aspects of healthcare technologies. Semi-structured interviews were performed with coordinators (n = 6), employees (n = 13), and first-line managers (n = 8). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse and interpret themes. RESULTS A main theme was identified "the workplace and healthcare hold different organizational value logics" and four sub-themes: "the PSI-WPI challenged the organizational goals and values of the workplace and healthcare", "the PSI-WPI challenged organizational values on fairness", "the PSI-WPI challenged the professional roles of first-line managers and rehabilitation coordinators" and "the PSI-WPI introduced a need for the employee to juggle the employee and patient roles". CONCLUSION Different organizational value logics, values, and goals can introduce ethical challenges. We advise clarifying stakeholders' roles and preparing employees and managers for the return to work process by providing sufficient information. The ethical challenges and suggested measures to minimize them, should be considered when planning return to work interventions that involve several stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Karlsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Sandman
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Iben Axén
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lydia Kwak
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Sernbo
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Björk Brämberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Standal MI, Foldal VS, Aasdahl L, Fors EA, Solbjør M. Getting an outsider's perspective - sick-listed workers' experiences with early follow-up sessions in the return to work process: a qualitative interview study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:609. [PMID: 38724997 PMCID: PMC11080128 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11007-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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore how early follow-up sessions (after 14 and 16 weeks of sick leave) with social insurance caseworkers was experienced by sick-listed workers, and how these sessions influenced their return-to-work process. METHODS A qualitative interview study with sick-listed workers who completed two early follow-up sessions with caseworkers from the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration (NAV). Twenty-six individuals aged 30 to 60 years with a sick leave status of 50-100% participated in semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed with thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants' experiences of the early follow-up sessions could be categorized into three themes: (1) Getting an outsider's perspective, (2) enhanced understanding of the framework for long term sick-leave, and (3) the empathic and personal face of the social insurance system. Meeting a caseworker enabled an outsider perspective that promoted critical reflection and calibration of their thoughts. This was experienced as a useful addition to the support many received from their informal network, such as friends, family, and co-workers. The meetings also enabled a greater understanding of their rights and duties, possibilities, and limitations regarding welfare benefits, while also displaying an unexpected empathic and understanding perspective from those working in the social insurance system. CONCLUSION For sick-listed individuals, receiving an early follow-up session from social insurance caseworkers was a positive experience that enhanced their understanding of their situation, and promoted reflection towards RTW. Thus, from the perspective of the sick-listed workers, early sessions with social insurance caseworkers could be a useful addition to the overall sickness absence follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Inge Standal
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
- NTNU Social Research, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Vegard Stolsmo Foldal
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lene Aasdahl
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Centre, Rissa, Norway
| | - Egil A Fors
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Solbjør
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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3
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Rymenans I, Vanovenberghe C, Du Bois M, Van den Broeck A, Lauwerier E. Process Evaluation of a Motivational Interviewing Intervention in a Social Security Setting: A Qualitative Study among Work-Disabled Patients. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2024; 34:141-156. [PMID: 37009926 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10108-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Return to work (RTW) may be facilitated by motivational interviewing (MI), a counseling style designed to increase motivation towards behavior change. MI's relevance in a RTW context remains however unclear. Exploring how, for whom and in what circumstances MI works is therefore necessary. Methods Eighteen people (29-60 years; sick leave > 12 weeks) with low back pain (LBP) or medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) participated in a semi-structured interview after one MI consultation. We conducted a realist-informed process evaluation to explore MI's mechanisms of impact, its outcomes and how external factors may influence these. Data were coded using thematic analysis. Results Main mechanisms were supporting autonomy, communicating with empathy and respect, facilitating feelings of competence and focusing on RTW solutions instead of hindrances. Competence support was more salient among LBP patients, whereas MUS patients benefited more from empathy and understanding. External factors were mentioned to have impacted MI's effectiveness and/or the further RTW process, being personal (e.g. acceptance of the condition), work-related (e.g. supervisor support) and societal (e.g. possibility of gradual RTW). Conclusions These results stress the importance of self-determination theory's support for autonomy, relatedness and competence, together with a solution-focused approach when stimulating patients' engagement regarding RTW. These mechanisms' instalment during RTW counseling and their long-term impact depends on both personal and system-like external factors. Belgium's social security system's premise, based on control, might actually hinder RTW instead of facilitating it. Further longitudinal research could explore MI's long-term effects as well as its complex interaction with external factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Rymenans
- Department of Work and Organization Studies, KU Leuven, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Vanovenberghe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, UGent, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - M Du Bois
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Van den Broeck
- Department of Work and Organization Studies, KU Leuven, Brussels, Belgium
- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - E Lauwerier
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, UGent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, UGent, Ghent, Belgium
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Aasdahl L, Standal MI, Hagen R, Solbjør M, Bagøien G, Fossen H, Foldal VS, Bjørngaard JH, Rysstad T, Grotle M, Johnsen R, Fors EA. Effectiveness of 'motivational interviewing' on sick leave: a randomized controlled trial in a social insurance setting. Scand J Work Environ Health 2023; 49:477-486. [PMID: 37634251 PMCID: PMC10834143 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) - a counselling approach offered by caseworkers at the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration (NAV) - on return to work (RTW) for individuals sick-listed for ≥8 weeks due to any diagnoses. MI was compared to usual case management and an active control during 12 months of follow-up. METHODS In a randomized clinical trial with three parallel arms, participants were randomized to MI (N=257), usual case management (N=266), or an active control group (N=252). MI consisted of two MI sessions while the active control involved two sessions without MI, both were offered in addition to usual case management. The primary outcome was number of sickness absence days based on registry data. Secondary outcomes included time to sustainable RTW, defined as four consecutive weeks without medical benefits. RESULTS The median number of sickness absence days for the MI group was 73 days [interquartile range (IQR) 31-147], 76 days (35-134) for usual care, and 75 days (34-155) for active control. In total 89%, 88% and 86% of the participants, respectively, achieved sustainable RTW. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for time to sustainable RTW was 1.12 (95% CI 0.90-1.40) for MI compared to usual case management and HR 1.16 (95% CI 0.93-1.44) compared to the active control. CONCLUSIONS This study did not provide evidence that MI offered by NAV caseworkers to sick-listed individuals was more effective on RTW than usual case management or an active control. Providing MI in this context could be challenging as only half of the MI group received the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Aasdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Postboks 8905, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Ida K, Lydia K, Iben A, Gunnar B, Ute B, Kristina H, Elisabeth BB. Experiences of participating in a problem-solving intervention with workplace involvement in Swedish primary health care: a qualitative study from rehabilitation coordinator's, employee's, and manager's perspectives. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:940. [PMID: 37226167 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15899-y] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-directed interventions that include problem-solving can reduce the number of sickness absence days. The effect of combining a problem-solving intervention with involvement of the employer is currently being tested in primary care in Sweden for employees on sickness absence due to common mental disorders (PROSA trial). The current study is part of the PROSA trial and has a two-fold aim: 1) to explore the experiences of participating in a problem-solving intervention with workplace involvement aimed at reducing sickness absence in employees with common mental disorders, delivered in Swedish primary health care, and 2) to identify facilitators of and barriers to participate in the intervention. Both aims targeted rehabilitation coordinators, employees on sickness absence, and first-line managers. METHODS Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with participants from the PROSA intervention group; rehabilitation coordinators (n = 8), employees (n = 13), and first-line managers (n = 8). Content analysis was used to analyse the data and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to group the data according to four contextual domains. One theme describing the participation experiences was established for each domain. Facilitators and barriers for each domain and stakeholder group were identified. RESULTS The stakeholders experienced the intervention as supportive in identifying problems and solutions and enabling a dialogue between them. However, the intervention was considered demanding and good relationships between the stakeholders were needed. Facilitating factors were the manual and work sheets which the coordinators were provided with, and the manager being involved early in the return-to-work process. Barriers were the number of on-site meetings, disagreements and conflicts between employees and first-line managers, and symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS Seeing the workplace as an integral part of the intervention by always conducting a three-part meeting enabled a dialogue that can be used to identify and address disagreements, to explain CMD symptoms, and how these can be handled at the workplace. We suggest allocating time towards developing good relationships, provide RCs with training in handling disagreements, and additional knowledge about factors in the employee's psychosocial work environment that can impair or promote health to increase the RCs ability to support the employee and manager.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlsson Ida
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kwak Lydia
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Axén Iben
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bergström Gunnar
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Bültmann Ute
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Holmgren Kristina
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Björk Brämberg Elisabeth
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Audet J, Lecours A, Nastasia I. Experiences in the return-to-work process of workers having suffered occupational injuries in small and medium size enterprises. Work 2023; 74:265-281. [PMID: 36214011 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210763] [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: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent 95 % of businesses and are economically essential. When occupational injuries occur, scientific literature suggests that the return-to-work (RTW) success rate is proportional to the size of enterprises and the way RTW is managed may put workers in SMEs at risk. As most studies on RTW organizational practices have been conducted with large enterprises, little is known about how RTW is managed in SMEs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore SME's organizational practices in the RTW process of workers having suffered an occupational injury. METHODS Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 15 participants from 3 different stakeholder categories (i.e., SME representatives, workers, and healthcare professionals) in order to explore their experiences regarding RTW in SMEs. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological analysis strategy. RESULTS SMEs' organisational practices evoked by participants gather in three themes: 1) Reducing the risks of occupational injuries (i.e., ensuring injury prevention), 2) Managing occupational injuries (i.e., dealing with the initial occupational injury, handling administrative aspects of work disability, and being actively involved in the RTW process), and 3) Preventing consequences of occupational injuries (i.e., adapting operations following injuries). CONCLUSION Organizational practices for RTW are used diversely in SMEs. Proposed lines of action adapted to the realities and needs of SMEs may be beneficial to hundreds of thousands of workers, enterprises and professionals involved in the RTW process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Audet
- Département d'ergothérapie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandra Lecours
- Département d'ergothérapie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Iuliana Nastasia
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST), Montréal, QC, Canada
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Barriers, Facilitators and Experiences Linked to a Work-Related Case Management in Individuals with Substance Abuse Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148657. [PMID: 35886509 PMCID: PMC9315538 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with substance abuse disorders experience trouble with the return to work or finding a stable workplace. At the same time, unemployment has negative effects on substance abuse. Work-related case management programs are often used to support the return to work in individuals with substance abuse disorders. This paper describes the experiences, perceived barriers, and facilitators, and their possible relations of people participating in a 12 month case management in Germany to support the return to work and to stabilize their workplace. For this purpose n = 15 interviews with the case management participants were conducted between December 2020 and September 2021. Data analysis followed a content analysis. The category system emerged is based on both the literature and the interview data. We describe several barriers and facilitators such as work motivation, experience with the case manager, and experience with the social security system. Furthermore, possible relationships between different barriers and facilitators are described. It will further be described how facilitators, especially the case manager, can help to overcome barriers, and how this might affect the intervention outcome.
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Badowski D, Rossler KL, Reiland N, Gill Gembala LT. Integration of Motivational Interviewing Within Prelicensure Nursing Programs: A National Survey. Nurse Educ 2022; 47:168-173. [PMID: 34711754 DOI: 10.1097/nne.0000000000001127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vital to the nurse-patient partnership is the use of active listening and a clear understanding of the patient's health care goals. Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based, patient-centered communication technique that assists patients in self-identifying and committing to health behavior change. PURPOSE This study explored whether, where, and how Motivational Interviewing is integrated into current prelicensure nursing curricula. METHODS An exploratory, descriptive study incorporated a researcher-developed survey. RESULTS Participants (N = 112) represented 5 types of prelicensure nursing programs from across the United States. Forty-one participants reported using Motivational Interviewing within their program with accreditation being the primary rationale. Seventy-one participants reported not integrating Motivational Interviewing within their program with lack of knowledge being the primary rationale. CONCLUSION Further research on optimizing the integration of Motivational Interviewing educational content and practice into all levels and specialty areas of nursing education would help to identify best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Badowski
- Associate Director, RN-to-MS Nursing Program, and Associate Professor (Dr Badowski), DePaul University School of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois; Associate Professor (Dr Rossler), Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Dallas, Texas; Associate Professor of Nursing/Coordinator of Continuing Education/BAC-BSN Program and Director (Dr Reiland), Lewis University Romeoville, Illinois; and Assistant Professor of Instruction (Dr Gill Gembala), Adjunct Graduate Faculty, Department of Nursing, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Foldal VS, Solbjør M, Standal MI, Fors EA, Hagen R, Bagøien G, Johnsen R, Hara KW, Fossen H, Løchting I, Eik H, Grotle M, Aasdahl L. Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing Motivational Interviewing as a Return to Work Intervention in a Norwegian Social Insurance Setting: A Mixed Methods Process Evaluation. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2021; 31:785-795. [PMID: 33761083 PMCID: PMC8558277 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-021-09964-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate potential barriers and facilitators for implementing motivational interviewing (MI) as a return to work (RTW) intervention in a Norwegian social insurance setting. Methods A mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial involving MI sessions delivered by social insurance caseworkers. The study was guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework using focus groups with the caseworkers. MI fidelity was evaluated through audio-recordings of MI sessions and questionnaires to sick-listed participants. Results Lack of co-worker and managerial support, time and place for practicing to further develop MI skills, and a high workload made the MI intervention challenging for the caseworkers. The MI method was experienced as useful, but difficult to master. MI fidelity results showed technical global scores over the threshold for "beginning proficiency" whereas the relational global score was under the threshold. The sick-listed workers reported being satisfied with the MI sessions. Conclusions Despite caseworker motivation for learning and using MI in early follow-up sessions, MI was hard to master and use in practice. Several barriers and facilitators were identified; these should be addressed before implementing MI in a social insurance setting.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03212118 (registered July 11, 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vegard Stolsmo Foldal
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Solbjør
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Inge Standal
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Egil Andreas Fors
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, General Practice Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Roger Hagen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute, Modum Bad, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnhild Bagøien
- Division of Psychiatry, Tiller Community Mental Health Centre, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Roar Johnsen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Karen Walseth Hara
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service of Trøndelag, Trondheim, Norway
- Norwegian Advisory Unit on Complex Symptom Disorders, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Heidi Fossen
- The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service of Trøndelag, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ida Løchting
- Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hedda Eik
- Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margreth Grotle
- Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI) Clinic for Surgery and Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lene Aasdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
- Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Centre, Rissa, Norway.
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10
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Standal MI, Foldal VS, Hagen R, Aasdahl L, Johnsen R, Fors EA, Solbjør M. Health, Work, and Family Strain - Psychosocial Experiences at the Early Stages of Long-Term Sickness Absence. Front Psychol 2021; 12:596073. [PMID: 33868075 PMCID: PMC8043853 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.596073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Knowledge about the psychosocial experiences of sick-listed workers in the first months of sick leave is sparse even though early interventions are recommended. The aim of this study was to explore psychosocial experiences of being on sick leave and thoughts about returning to work after 8–12 weeks of sickness absence. Methods Sixteen individuals at 9–13 weeks of sick leave participated in semi-structured individual interviews. Data was analyzed through Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Results Three themes emerged: (1) energy depleted, (2) losing normal life, (3) searching for a solution. A combination of health, work, and family challenges contributed to being drained of energy, which affected both work- and non-work roles. Being on sick leave led to a loss of social arenas and their identity as a contributing member of society. Participants required assistance to find solutions toward returning to work. Conclusion Even in this early stage of long-term sick leave, sick listed workers faced complex challenges in multiple domains. Continuing sick leave was experienced as necessary but may challenge personal identity and social life. Those not finding solutions may benefit from additional early follow-up that examine work-related, social and personal factors that influence return to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin I Standal
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vegard S Foldal
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Roger Hagen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Research Institute, Modum Bad, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Lene Aasdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Centre, Rissa, Norway
| | - Roar Johnsen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Egil A Fors
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Solbjør
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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11
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Løchting I, Grotle M, Storheim K, Foldal V, Standal MI, Fors EA, Eik H. Complex return to work process - caseworkers' experiences of facilitating return to work for individuals on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1822. [PMID: 33256648 PMCID: PMC7708113 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09804-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Løchting
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Margreth Grotle
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Storheim
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vegard Foldal
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Inge Standal
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Egil Andreas Fors
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hedda Eik
- Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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