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Amundsen PA, Underwood M, Burton K, Grotle M, Engedahl MS, Malmberg-Heimonen I, Irgens PMS, Højen M, Kisa A, Hagen M, Holmgard TE, Martinsen A, Lothe J, Monsen SS, Froud R. Individual supported work placements (ReISE) for improving sustained return to work in unemployed people with persistent pain: an internal pilot study of a cohort randomised controlled approach. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:110. [PMID: 39138502 PMCID: PMC11321075 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01538-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent pain is a frequent cause of sick leave and work disability in Norway. A return-to-work intervention featuring supported work placements, developed in the UK, demonstrated feasibility, and a return-to-work rate of 20% within 6 months was observed in the sample. We sought to adapt the intervention for delivery in Norway and to confirm feasibility prior to a full-scale trial. METHODS In this internal pilot, we used a pragmatic cohort randomised controlled approach with national recruitment in Norway. We recruited people who were unemployed (for at least 1 month), having persistent pain (for at least 3 months), aged between 18 and 64, and wanting to return to work. We initially recruited people to an observational cohort study of the impact of being unemployed with persistent pain. After baseline measurement, we randomly sub-sampled participants to whom we offered the intervention, which featured individual case management and support, work-familiarisation sessions, and the offer of a 6-week part-time unpaid work placement. We assessed recruitment rates (aiming to recruit 66, and sub-sample 17 within 6 months); optimal recruitment pathways; intervention acceptance rates; the feasibility of data collection; using video links for work-familiarisation sessions and remote case manager support. RESULTS The pilot ran from June to November 2022. Of 168 people expressing interest, 94 consented. Recruitment posts on Facebook yielded the most 'expressions of interest' (66%, n = 111). After screening for eligibility, we included 55 participants. Of these, 19 were randomised to be offered the intervention. Of these, less than half (n = 8) consented to intervention participation. Remote case manager and work-familiarisation sessions appeared feasible. Following a delay in identifying placements, three participants received offers of work placements, with one starting and completing during the pilot period. Data collection methods were feasible, and no adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Recruitment and logistical processes, such as remote management by video link, are feasible. However, delivery of the intervention is challenging. In particular, sourcing placements and the time required for identifying appropriate placements was more challenging than anticipated. A full-scale trial is feasible but will require improvements to the placement identification processes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN85437524 (Referring to the ReISE trial, of which this internal pilot was a part), Registered 31 of May 2022 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN85437524 TRIAL FUNDING: Norwegian Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pål André Amundsen
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, 0107, Sentrum, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Martin Underwood
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Kim Burton
- University of Huddersfield, Queensgate Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Margreth Grotle
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, 0130, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Building 37BNydalen, P.O. Box 4956, 0424, Ullevål Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Stav Engedahl
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, 0107, Sentrum, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ira Malmberg-Heimonen
- Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Magnus Højen
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, 0107, Sentrum, Oslo, Norway
| | - Adnan Kisa
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, 0107, Sentrum, Oslo, Norway
- Department of International Health and Sustainable Development, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Milada Hagen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Einar Holmgard
- Norwegian Back Pain Association, Fjellhagen, P.O.Box 9612, 3065, Drammen, Norway
| | - Amy Martinsen
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Building 37BNydalen, P.O. Box 4956, 0424, Ullevål Oslo, Norway
- Co/FORMI, The Norwegian Council for Musculoskeletal Health, Oslo Universitetssykehus, 4956 Nydalen, P.O. Box , 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jakob Lothe
- Co/FORMI, The Norwegian Council for Musculoskeletal Health, Oslo Universitetssykehus, 4956 Nydalen, P.O. Box , 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Robert Froud
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, 0107, Sentrum, Oslo, Norway
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Amundsen PA, Underwood M, Burton K, Grotle M, Malmberg-Heimonen I, Kisa A, Småstuen MC, Holmgard TE, Martinsen A, Lothe J, Irgens PMS, Højen M, Monsen SS, Froud R. Individual supported work placements (ReISE) for improving sustained return to work in unemployed people with persistent pain: study protocol for a cohort randomised controlled trial with embedded economic and process evaluations. Trials 2023; 24:179. [PMID: 36906593 PMCID: PMC10006572 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07211-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around one-third of workdays lost in Norway are due to musculoskeletal conditions, with persistent (chronic) pain being the most frequent cause of sick leave and work disability. Increasing work participation for people with persistent pain improves their health, quality of life, and well-being and reduces poverty; however, it is not clear how to best help unemployed people who have persistent pain to return to work. The aim of this study is to examine if a matched work placement intervention featuring case manager support and work-focused healthcare improves return to work rates and quality of life for unemployed people in Norway with persistent pain who want to work. METHODS We will use a cohort randomised controlled approach to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a matched work placement intervention featuring case manager support and work-focused healthcare compared to those receiving usual care in the cohort alone. We will recruit people aged 18-64, who have been out of work for at least 1 month, had pain for more than 3 months, and want to work. Initially, all (n = 228) will be recruited to an observational cohort study on the impact of being unemployed with persistent pain. We will then randomly select one in three to be offered the intervention. The primary outcome of sustained return to work will be measured using registry and self-reported data, while secondary outcomes include self-reported levels of health-related quality of life and physical and mental health. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-randomisation. We will run a process evaluation parallel to the intervention exploring implementation, continuity of the intervention, reasons for participating, declining participation, and mechanisms behind cases of sustained return to work. An economic evaluation of the trial process will also be conducted. DISCUSSION The ReISE intervention is designed to increase work participation for people with persistent pain. The intervention has the potential to improve work ability by collaboratively navigating obstacles to working. If successful, the intervention may be a viable option for helping people in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Registry 85,437,524 Registered on 30 March 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pål André Amundsen
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, Sentrum, 0107, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Martin Underwood
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Kim Burton
- Professor of Occupational Healthcare, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Margreth Grotle
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ira Malmberg-Heimonen
- Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | - Adnan Kisa
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, Sentrum, 0107, Oslo, Norway
| | - Milada Cvancarova Småstuen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Einar Holmgard
- User representative from the Norwegian Back Pain Association, Fjellhagen, P.O. Box 9612, 3065, Drammen, Norway
| | - Amy Martinsen
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Building 37B, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jakob Lothe
- Co/FORMI, The Norwegian Council for Musculoskeletal Health, Oslo Universitetssykehus, Nydalen, P.O. Box 4956, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Magnus Højen
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, Sentrum, 0107, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Robert Froud
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, PB 1190, Sentrum, 0107, Oslo, Norway.,Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Walker-Bone K, Fraser SDS, Price C, Maguire N, Cooper C, Madan I, Ntani G, Linaker CL. A pilot trial investigating the feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial of Individualised Placement and Support for people unemployed with chronic pain recruiting in primary care. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2022; 23:e39. [PMID: 35866327 PMCID: PMC9309751 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423622000342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the feasibility of recruiting patients unemployed for more than 3 months with chronic pain using a range of methods in primary care in order to conduct a pilot trial of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to improve quality of life outcomes for people with chronic pain. METHODS This research was informed by people with chronic pain. We assessed the feasibility of identification and recruitment of unemployed patients; the training and support needs of employment support workers to integrate with pain services; acceptability of randomisation, retention through follow-up and appropriate outcome measures for a definitive trial. Participants randomised to IPS received integrated support from an employment support worker and a pain occupational therapist to prepare for, and take up, a work placement. Those randomised to Treatment as Usual (TAU) received a bespoke workbook, delivered at an appointment with a research nurse not trained in vocational rehabilitation. RESULTS Using a range of approaches, recruitment through primary care was difficult and resource-intensive (1028 approached to recruit 37 eligible participants). Supplementing recruitment through pain services, another 13 people were recruited (total n = 50). Randomisation to both arms was acceptable: 22 were allocated to IPS and 28 to TAU. Recruited participants were generally not 'work ready', particularly if recruited through pain services. CONCLUSION A definitive randomised controlled trial is not currently feasible for recruiting through primary care in the UK. Although a trial recruiting through pain services might be possible, participants could be unrepresentative in levels of disability and associated health complexities. Retention of participants over 12 months proved challenging, and methods for reducing attrition are required. The intervention has been manualised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Walker-Bone
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Simon DS Fraser
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Cathy Price
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Nick Maguire
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ira Madan
- Occupational Health Service, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- King’s College London Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Georgia Ntani
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Cathy L Linaker
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Probyn K, Engedahl MS, Rajendran D, Pincus T, Naeem K, Mistry D, Underwood M, Froud R. The effects of supported employment interventions in populations of people with conditions other than severe mental health: a systematic review. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2021; 22:e79. [PMID: 34879882 PMCID: PMC8724223 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423621000827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the effectiveness of supported employment interventions for improving competitive employment in populations of people with conditions other than only severe mental illness. BACKGROUND Supported employment interventions have been extensively tested in severe mental illness populations. These approaches may be beneficial outside of these populations. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scopus, JSTOR, PEDro, OTSeeker, and NIOSHTIC for trials including unemployed people with any condition and including severe mental illness if combined with other co-morbidities or other specific circumstances (e.g., homelessness). We excluded trials where inclusion was based on severe mental illness alone. Two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias (RoB v2.0) and four reviewers extracted data. We assessed rates of competitive employment as compared to traditional vocational rehabilitation or waiting list/services as usual. FINDINGS Ten randomised controlled trials (913 participants) were included. Supported employment was more effective than control interventions for improving competitive employment in seven trials: in people with affective disorders [risk ratio (RR) 10.61 (1.49, 75.38)]; mental disorders and justice involvement [RR 4.44 (1.36,14.46)]; veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [RR 2.73 (1.64, 4.54)]; formerly incarcerated veterans [RR 2.17 (1.09, 4.33)]; people receiving methadone treatment [RR 11.5 (1.62, 81.8)]; veterans with spinal cord injury at 12 months [RR 2.46 (1.16, 5.22)] and at 24 months [RR 2.81 (1.98, 7.37)]; and young people not in employment, education, or training [RR 5.90 (1.91-18.19)]. Three trials did not show significant benefits from supported employment: populations of workers with musculoskeletal injuries [RR 1.38 (1.00, 1.89)]; substance abuse [RR 1.85 (0.65, 5.41)]; and formerly homeless people with mental illness [RR 1.55 (0.76, 3.15)]. Supported employment interventions may be beneficial to people from more diverse populations than those with severe mental illness alone. Defining competitive employment and increasing (and standardising) measurement of non-vocational outcomes may help to improve research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Probyn
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, UK
| | | | | | - Tamar Pincus
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, UK
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Khadija Naeem
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, UK
| | - Dipesh Mistry
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Martin Underwood
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Robert Froud
- Department of Health Sciences, Kristiana University College, Oslo, Norway
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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