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Davis O, Dawson J, Degerdon L, Delgadillo J, Kadam U, Nielsen K, Sinclair A, Yarker J, Munir F. Protocol for a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a multicomponent sustainable return to work IGLOo intervention. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:23. [PMID: 38308380 PMCID: PMC10837924 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01439-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term sickness costs businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) approximately £7 billion per annum. Most long-term sickness absences are attributed to common mental health conditions, which are also highly prevalent in people with acute or musculoskeletal health conditions. This study will pilot the IGLOo (Individual, Group, Leaders, Organisation, overarching context) intervention which aims to support workers in returning to and remaining in work following long-term sickness absence. The potential impact of the intervention is a timely return to work (main trial primary outcome) and prevention of a further episode of long-term sick leave. The intervention will be piloted in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine the feasibility of the intervention (pilot trial primary outcome) and to inform a fully powered definitive trial to evaluate sustainable return to work (RTW) in people with primary or secondary mental ill-health who go on long-term sick leave. METHODS AND DESIGN A two-arm feasibility randomised controlled trial (with a 30-month study period including 12-month follow-up) of the IGLOo intervention will be conducted in large organisations (≥ 600 workers) from the Yorkshire and Humberside regions, in the UK. Eight consenting organisations will be recruited and randomised to the intervention or control arms of the study (1:1 ratio), with a minimum recruitment target of 13 workers eligible to participate from each. Organisations assigned to the control group will continue with their usual practice. Feasibility data will include data collected on recruitment, retention and attrition of participants; completion of research outcome measures; and intervention compliance. Measurements of mental health, RTW, work outcomes, quality-of-life, workplace support and communication and other demographic data will be taken at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in all participants. Qualitative interviews and survey data with all participants will explore the experiences of participants, acceptability of the intervention components and evaluation measures. Exploratory economic evaluation will be conducted to further inform a definitive trial. DISCUSSION The findings from this pilot study will help to inform the development of a definitive cluster RCT designed to examine the efficacy of this intervention on health and work-related outcomes in UK workers on long-term sick leave. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN11788559 (prospectively registered, date registered 6 October 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Davis
- Grounded Research Team, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, Doncaster, UK
| | - Jeremy Dawson
- Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lizzie Degerdon
- Grounded Research Team, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, Doncaster, UK
| | - Jaime Delgadillo
- Grounded Research Team, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, Doncaster, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Umesh Kadam
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Karina Nielsen
- Institute of Work Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alice Sinclair
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | | | - Fehmidah Munir
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
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Nielsen K, Yarker J. Employees’ experience of supervisor behaviour – a support or a hindrance on their return-to-work journey with a CMD? A qualitative study. Work & Stress 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02678373.2022.2145622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Nielsen
- Sheffield University Management School, Institute for Work Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jo Yarker
- Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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Blake H, Vaughan B, Bartle C, Yarker J, Munir F, Marwaha S, Russell S, Meyer C, Hassard J, Thomson L. Managing Minds at Work: development of a digital line manager training programme. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac130.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Mental ill health is the leading cause of sickness absence with high economic burden. Workplace interventions aimed at supporting employers with prevention of mental ill-health in the workforce are urgently required. Managing Minds at Work (MMW) is a digital intervention targeting support for line managers in any work setting to promote better mental health at work through a preventative approach.
Objectives
To describe the design and development of the MMW digital training programme, prior to feasibility testing. We adopted a collaborative participatory design involving co-design (users as partners) and principles of user-centred design (pilot and usability testing). Agile methodology was used to co-create intervention content with a stakeholder community of practice. Development processes were mapped to core elements of the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions.
Results
The program covers five broad areas: (i) promoting self-care techniques among line managers; (ii) designing work to prevent work-related stress; (iii) management competencies to prevent and reduce stress; (iv) having conversations with employees about mental health; (v) building a psychologically safe work environment. Pilot and usability testing (n = 37 surveys) aligned with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) demonstrated that MMW was perceived to be useful, relevant, and easy to use by managers across sectors, organization types and sizes. We identified positive impacts on manager attitudes and behavioural intentions related to preventing mental ill-health and promoting good mental well-being at work.
Conclusions
MMW is a digital training programme for line managers that has been co-created using rigorous development processes and aims to support employers with primary prevention in mental health. The next step is to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention with line managers in diverse employment settings.
Key messages
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Affiliation(s)
- H Blake
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham , Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham , Nottingham, UK
| | - B Vaughan
- Institute of Mental Health, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust , Nottingham, UK
| | - C Bartle
- Institute of Mental Health, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust , Nottingham, UK
| | - J Yarker
- Birkbeck, University of London , London, UK
| | - F Munir
- School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University , Loughborough, UK
| | - S Marwaha
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Birmingham , Birmingham, UK
| | - S Russell
- Thrive at Work, West Midlands Combined Authority , Birmingham, UK
| | - C Meyer
- Executive Office, Warwick University , Warwick, UK
| | - J Hassard
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham , Nottingham, UK
| | - L Thomson
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham , Nottingham, UK
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Nielsen K, Yarker J. What can I do for you? Line managers’ behaviors to support return to work for workers with common mental disorders. JMP 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jmp-09-2021-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Sustainable return to work remains challenging for workers returning after long-term sick leave due to common mental disorders (CMDs): stress, anxiety and depression. Line managers play a significant role in supporting returned workers. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the supportive behaviors of line managers in supporting returned workers.Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a longitudinal study with up to three semi-structured interviews with 20 line managers with experience managing returned workers. In these interviews, the authors asked questions about the supportive behaviors line managers enacted to support workers and the role of the context. The authors conducted reflexive thematic analysis.Findings The analyses revealed five key strategies, including managing workload, flexible working time arrangements, location of work, mental health check-ups and long-term support. The interviewed line managers reported their own lived experiences and that being aware of the limitations of their role, together with training and support from senior management and human resources (HR), enabled them to provide appropriate support.Practical implications The five strategies and the barriers and facilitators to implementing these may enable HR to develop policies and procedures to support line managers, including training of line managers.Originality/value This is the first study in the UK on line managers’ behaviors to support workers who have returned to work after a period of long-term sickness absence due to CMDs. The identification of such behaviors is paramount to developing organizational policies and practices. The question, however, remains whether employees see these behaviors as effective.
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Poterlowicz K, Yarker J, Malashchuk I, Mardaryev A, Gdula M, sharov A, Kohwi-Shigematsu T, Botchkarev V, Fessing M. 091 5C analysis reveals distinct spatial contact networks between gene-rich and gene-poor TADs at the Epidermal Differentiation Complex in skin epithelial cells. J Invest Dermatol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.07.401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Russell P, Walter D, Yarker J, Wiggins C, Moore J. Identifying synthetic lethal targets in colon cancer using CRISPR-Cas9 and siRNA screens. Eur J Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(16)32984-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Kennedy F, Hicks B, Yarker J. Work stress and cancer researchers: an exploration of the challenges, experiences and training needs of UK cancer researchers. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2013; 23:462-71. [PMID: 24118414 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Work stress is a significant issue for many UK healthcare professionals, in particular those working in the field of oncology. However, there have been very few attempts to explore the challenges, experiences or training needs of researchers working in cancer research. In doing so, we will be better positioned to support and develop these researchers. Eighteen UK oncology researchers from a variety of backgrounds took part in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis identified two overarching themes: logistical research issues (workload, accessing/recruiting participants, finances) and sensitive research issues (emotional demands, professional boundaries, sensitivity around recruitment). One cross-cutting theme, supportive strategies (support and training, coping mechanisms), was seen to influence both logistical and sensitive research issues. While further research is needed to fully understand the causes and impact of work stress on cancer researchers, three specific issues were highlighted: emotional demands are relevant to quantitative and mixed methods researchers as well as those engaged in qualitative research; the researchers' background (experience; clinical/non-clinical) was influential and an exploration of effective coping strategies is required; and there is a clear need for adequate support systems and training to be available, particularly for early career researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Kennedy
- Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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Woods DR, Mellor A, Begley J, Stacey M, O'Hara J, Hawkins A, Yarker J, Foxen S, Smith C, Boos C. Brain natriuretic peptide and NT-proBNP levels reflect pulmonary artery systolic pressure in trekkers at high altitude. Physiol Res 2013; 62:597-603. [PMID: 23869896 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to evaluate the utility of the natriuretic peptides BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) and NT-proBNP as markers of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) in trekkers ascending to high altitude (HA). 20 participants had BNP and NT-proBNP assayed and simultaneous echocardiographic assessment of PASP performed during a trek to 5150 m. PASP increased significantly (p=0.006) with ascent from 24+/-4 to 39+/-11 mm Hg at 5150 m. At 5150 m those with a PASP>/=40 mm Hg (n=8) (versus those with PASP<40 mm Hg) had higher post-exercise BNP (pg/ml): 54.5+/-36 vs. 13.4+/-17 (p=0.012). Their resting BNP at 5150 m was also higher: 57.3+/-43.4 vs. 12.6+/-13 (p=0.017). In those with a pathological (>/=400 pg/ml) rise in NT-proBNP at 5150 m (n=4) PASP was significantly higher: 45.9+/-7.5 vs. 32.2+/-6.2 mm Hg (p=0.015). BNP and NT-proBNP may reflect elevated PASP, a central feature of high altitude pulmonary oedema, at HA.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Woods
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Bains M, Munir F, Yarker J, Bowley D, Thomas A, Armitage N, Steward W. The impact of colorectal cancer and self-efficacy beliefs on work ability and employment status: a longitudinal study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2012; 21:634-41. [PMID: 22320237 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2012.01335.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We examined how colorectal cancer patients' treatment and symptom management impacted perceptions of work ability and subsequent work decisions. Fifty patients completed questionnaires at baseline (post-surgery/pretreatment), 3 months and 6 months. Questionnaires assessed fatigue, depression, quality-of-life (QoL), cancer self-efficacy, job self-efficacy (JSE) and work ability. Factors related to perceived work ability were occupation (β= 0.31, P= 0.0005) and QoL (β= 0.42, P= 0.01) at baseline, treatment type (β=-0.19, P= 0.05) at 3 months, and JSE at 3 months (β= 0.57, P= 0.0005) and 6 months (β= 0.50, P= 0.006). Factors related to being on sick leave were lower levels of JSE (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.17-4.13) at baseline and being employed in a manual occupation (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00-0.86), and perceived work ability (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.00-12.80) at 6 months. Along with self-assessed work ability at baseline (β= 0.67, P= 0.0005), receiving chemotherapy or a combination of treatments (β=-0.24, P= 0.05) were the strongest predictors of poorer perceptions of follow-up work ability. Self-efficacy beliefs may add to understanding and should be considered in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bains
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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Munir F, Yarker J, McDermott H. Employment and the common cancers: correlates of work ability during or following cancer treatment. Occup Med (Lond) 2011; 59:381-9. [PMID: 19692524 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqp088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To provide an in-depth review of the impact of cancer and cancer-related issues on work ability for those working during or following cancer treatment. METHODS Of total, 19 papers published between 1999 and 2008 on cancer and work ability were reviewed. RESULTS Studies have shown that most types of cancers result in decreased work ability compared to healthy controls or those with other chronic conditions. Some cancer types have more decreased work ability than other types. Decreased work ability is associated with type of treatment (chemotherapy), treatment-related side-effects (e.g. fatigue) and co-morbidity with other health conditions. For most cancers, work ability improves over time irrespective of age. CONCLUSIONS More longitudinal research is required to fully determine the impact of cancer and its treatment on work ability, occupational health services can help such employees make a full recovery and maintain employment by regularly assessing work ability and working hours so that work adjustment and support can be appropriately tailored.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Munir
- Department of Human Sciences, Brockington Building, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK.
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Yarker J, Munir F, Bains M, Kalawsky K, Haslam C. The role of communication and support in return to work following cancer-related absence. Psychooncology 2011; 19:1078-85. [PMID: 20014202 DOI: 10.1002/pon.1662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many cancer survivors experience difficulties returning to work. However, there have been relatively few attempts to understand why problems with employer support and work adjustment occur. This paper aims to extend previous work in two ways: first, through exploring the way in which communication and support at work effect cancer survivors on their return to work and during the post-return period; and second, by drawing on a research sample working in the United Kingdom. METHODS In all, 26 cancer survivors took part in a semi-structured telephone interview. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The analysis revealed three key findings. First, the central role of communication and support from (and between) occupational health, line managers, and colleagues was highlighted. Second, two discrete processes or periods of return to work were identified: the experience of return to work during the initial period of return and the experiences of post-return to work. Third, during the post-return period, the importance of the delayed impact of cancer on the ability to work, the lack of follow-up and monitoring, and the wear-off effect of empathy and support were highlighted as contributing to return-to-work difficulties. CONCLUSIONS This qualitative study highlights the importance of communication within the workplace with regard to the return-to-work process and the need to provide better support and guidance to cancer survivors, line managers and colleagues. Research is required in delineating how employers without occupational health or human resources support manage the return-to-work process.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yarker
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined factors associated with the use of prescribed medication at work. METHODS Questionnaire survey of employees with diagnosed chronic illnesses from four UK organizations. Data were collected on type of chronic illness, health status, health beliefs, work limitations, occupational health support, general practitioner (GP) and line manager support. Data were analysed using univariate logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 1474 employees with chronic illness participated. Medication use at work (yes versus no) was predicted by age, pain, diagnosis of heart disease, medication use at home, benefit of prescribed medication to health, ease of using medication at work, practical support from families and practical and emotional support from GP and line manager. In a multivariate logistic regression model, medication use at work was predicted by medication use at home and ease of using medication at work only. CONCLUSIONS The ease of taking medication at work was found to be a key predictor of medication use at work, suggesting occupational health may play a vital role in finding ways to support employees in their usage of medication. This may be for example by providing help and guidance in storing medication at work and encouraging employees to disclose medication use to employers and managers where necessary. Occupational health services can help create a workplace culture that places a high value on health, educating staff on the value of looking after their health and the benefits of following advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fehmidah Munir
- Department of Human Sciences, Brockington Building, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
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