Top

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

Published in:

01-12-2021 | Care | Review

Interventions to Promote Work‐Focused Care by Healthcare Providers for Individuals with Musculoskeletal Conditions a Scoping Review

Authors: Yanfei Xie, Nathan Hutting, Serena Bartys, Venerina Johnston

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Building on an emerging body of evidence, this scoping review aimed to provide an overview of current interventions to promote work-focused care by healthcare providers for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions and to identify current knowledge gaps for future research.

Methods

Literature searches were performed in Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycInfo using Medical Subject Heading terms and text words relating to musculoskeletal conditions, interventions to promote work-focused care and work-related outcomes. Articles involving any interventions with elements of work-focused care delivered by healthcare providers to manage musculoskeletal conditions were reviewed for suitability and inclusion.

Results

A total of 22 articles (18 intervention trials) were identified. Most studies were multidisciplinary interventions incorporating one or more elements of work-focused care including: work-related assessment to identify barriers to working, vocational advice/coaching or education to address barriers to working, involvement of the workplace stakeholders, restoration of fitness for work and regular communication with multidisciplinary team members. Most studies (61 %) concluded that their interventions achieved the desired work-related outcomes although firm conclusions could not be made regarding the effectiveness of a particular component, content or strategy of work-focused care itself because of the variability in the type and number of elements and outcomes used.

Conclusions

There is good evidence demonstrating the potential for healthcare providers to improve work outcomes for those with musculoskeletal conditions. Additional training is required to increase confidence in this area of practice. Accepting that work-focused care is important, however, does not diminish the challenge it presents.

GBD 2017 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet. 2018;392(10159):1789–858.CrossRef

World Health Organisation. Fact sheet Musculoskeletal conditions. 2021. Available from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions.

Schofield DJ, Shrestha RN, Cunich M, Tanton R, Kelly S, Passey ME, Veerman LJ. Lost productive life years caused by chronic conditions in Australians aged 45–64 years, 2010–2030. Med J Aust. 2015;203(6):260.e1-6.PubMedCrossRef

Health and Safety Executive. Work related musculoskeletal disorders statistics (WRMSDs) in Great Britain. Bootle: Health and Safety Executive; 2019.

Waddell G, Burton AK. Is work good for your health and well-being? London: Department for Work and Pensions; 2006.

McKee-Ryan F, Song Z, Wanberg CR, Kinicki AJ. Psychological and physical well-being during unemployment: a meta-analytic study. J Appl Psychol. 2005;90(1):53–76.PubMedCrossRef

Neupane S, Lallukka T, Pietiläinen O, Rahkonen O, Leino-Arjas P. Trajectories of multisite musculoskeletal pain in midlife: associations with common mental disorders. Eur J Pain. 2020;24(2):364–73.PubMedCrossRef

Hubertsson J, Englund M, Hallgårde U, Lidwall U, Löfvendahl S, Petersson IF. Sick leave patterns in common musculoskeletal disorders–a study of doctor prescribed sick leave. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014;15:176.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

Koolhaas W, van der Klink JJ, de Boer MR, Groothoff JW, Brouwer S. Chronic health conditions and work ability in the ageing workforce: the impact of work conditions, psychosocial factors and perceived health. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2014;87(4):433–43.PubMed

10.

Waddell G, Burton AK, Kendall NAS. Vocational rehabilitation: What works, for whom, and when? London: TSO; 2008.

11.

Bartys S, Frederiksen P, Bendix T, Burton K. System influences on work disability due to low back pain: an international evidence synthesis. Health Policy. 2017;121(8):903–12.PubMedCrossRef

12.

Lin I, Wiles L, Waller R, Goucke R, Nagree Y, Gibberd M, Straker L, Maher CG, O’Sullivan PPB. What does best practice care for musculoskeletal pain look like? Eleven consistent recommendations from high-quality clinical practice guidelines: systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(2):79–86.PubMedCrossRef

13.

de Vries HJ, Brouwer S, Groothoff JW, Geertzen JH, Reneman MF. Staying at work with chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain: a qualitative study of workers’ experiences. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2011;12:126.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

14.

Oswald W, Hutting N. Work participation of patients with musculoskeletal disorders: is this addressed in physical therapy practice? J Occup Med Toxicol. 2017;12:27.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

15.

Hutting N, Oswald W, Staal JB, Engels JA, Nouwens E, Nijhuis van-der Sanden MW, Heerkens YF. Physical therapists and importance of work participation in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a focus group study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017;18(1):196.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

16.

Bartys S, Edmondson A, Burton K, Parker C, Martin R. Work conversations in healthcare: how, where, when and by whom: a review to understand conversations about work in healthcare and identify opportunities to make work conversations a part of everyday health interactions. England: England PH; 2019.

17.

Wynne-Jones G, van der Windt D, Ong BN, Bishop A, Cowen J, Artus M, Sanders T. Perceptions of health professionals towards the management of back pain in the context of work: a qualitative study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014;15:210.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

18.

de Kock CA, Lucassen PL, Spinnewijn L, Knottnerus JA, Buijs PC, Steenbeek R, Lagro-Janssen AL. How do Dutch GPs address work-related problems? A focus group study. Eur J Gen Pract. 2016;22(3):169–75.PubMedCrossRef

19.

Bartys S, Stochkendahl M. Work-focused Healthcare for Low Back Pain. Lumbar Spine Online Textbook: International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine; 2018.

20.

Arksey H, O’Malley L. Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. Int J Soc Res Methodol. 2005;8(1):19–32.CrossRef

21.

Levac D, Colquhoun H, O’Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implement Sci. 2010;5:69.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

22.

Peters MD, Godfrey CM, Khalil H, McInerney P, Parker D, Soares CB. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Int J Evid Based Healthc. 2015;13(3):141–6.PubMedCrossRef

23.

Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O’Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, Moher D, Peters MDJ, Horsley T, Weeks L, Hempel S, Akl EA, Chang C, McGowan J, Stewart L, Hartling L, Aldcroft A, Wilson MG, Garritty C, Lewin S, Godfrey CM, Macdonald MT, Langlois EV, Soares-Weiser K, Moriarty J, Clifford T, Tunçalp Ö, Straus SE. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(7):467–73.CrossRefPubMed

24.

Brendbekken R, Eriksen HR, Grasdal A, Harris A, Hagen EM, Tangen T. Return to work in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: multidisciplinary intervention versus brief intervention: a randomized clinical trial. J Occup Rehabil. 2017;27(1):82–91.PubMedCrossRef

25.

Brendbekken R, Vaktskjold A, Harris A, Tangen T. Predictors of return-to-work in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Rehabil Med. 2018;50(2):193–9.PubMedCrossRef

26.

Kool JP, Oesch PR, Bachmann S, Knuesel O, Dierkes JG, Russo M, de Bie RA, van den Brandt PA. Increasing days at work using function-centered rehabilitation in nonacute nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2005;86(5):857–64.PubMedCrossRef

27.

Kool J, Bachmann S, Oesch P, Knuesel O, Ambergen T, de Bie R, van den Brandt P. Function-centered rehabilitation increases work days in patients with nonacute nonspecific low back pain: 1-year results from a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007;88(9):1089–94.PubMedCrossRef

28.

Lambeek LC, van Mechelen W, Knol DL, Loisel P, Anema JR. Randomised controlled trial of integrated care to reduce disability from chronic low back pain in working and private life. BMJ. 2010;340:c1035.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

29.

Lambeek LC, Bosmans JE, Van Royen BJ, Van Tulder MW, Van Mechelen W, Anema JR. Effect of integrated care for sick listed patients with chronic low back pain: economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2010;341:c6414.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

30.

van Vilsteren M, Boot CR, Twisk JW, van Schaardenburg D, Steenbeek R, Voskuyl AE, Anema JR. Effectiveness of an integrated care intervention on supervisor support and work functioning of workers with rheumatoid arthritis. Disabil Rehabil. 2017;39(4):354–62.PubMedCrossRef

31.

van Vilsteren M, Boot CRL, Twisk JWR, Steenbeek R, Voskuyl AE, van Schaardenburg D, Anema JR. One year effects of a workplace integrated care intervention for workers with rheumatoid arthritis: results of a randomized controlled trial. J Occup Rehabil. 2017;27(1):128–36.PubMedCrossRef

32.

Anema JR, Steenstra IA, Bongers PM, de Vet HC, Knol DL, Loisel P, van Mechelen W. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for subacute low back pain: graded activity or workplace intervention or both? A randomized controlled trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2007;32(3):291–8. discussion 299–300.CrossRef

33.

Bethge M, Herbold D, Trowitzsch L, Jacobi C. Work status and health-related quality of life following multimodal work hardening: a cluster randomised trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2011;24(3):161–72.PubMedCrossRef

34.

de Buck PD, le Cessie S, van den Hout WB, Peeters AJ, Ronday HK, Westedt ML, Breedveld FC, Vliet Vlieland TP. Randomized comparison of a multidisciplinary job-retention vocational rehabilitation program with usual outpatient care in patients with chronic arthritis at risk for job loss. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;53(5):682–90.PubMedCrossRef

35.

Moll LT, Jensen OK, Schiøttz-Christensen B, Stapelfeldt CM, Christiansen DH, Nielsen CV, Labriola M. Return to work in employees on sick leave due to neck or shoulder pain: a randomized clinical trial comparing multidisciplinary and brief intervention with one-year register-based follow-up. J Occup Rehabil. 2018;28(2):346–56.PubMedCrossRef

36.

Nicholas MK, Costa DSJ, Linton SJ, Main CJ, Shaw WS, Pearce G, Gleeson M, Pinto RZ, Blyth FM, McAuley JH, Smeets R, McGarity A. Implementation of early intervention protocol in Australia for ‘High Risk’ injured workers is associated with fewer lost work days over 2 years than usual (stepped) care. J Occup Rehabil. 2020;30(1):93–104.PubMedCrossRef

37.

Li EJ, Li-Tsang CW, Lam CS, Hui KY, Chan CC. The effect of a “training on work readiness” program for workers with musculoskeletal injuries: a randomized control trial (RCT) study. J Occup Rehabil. 2006;16(4):529–41.PubMedCrossRef

38.

Knapp S, Briest J, Bethge M. Work-related rehabilitation aftercare for patients with musculoskeletal disorders: results of a randomized-controlled multicenter trial. Int J Rehabil Res. 2015;38(3):226–32.PubMedCrossRef

39.

Hammond A, O’Brien R, Woodbridge S, Bradshaw L, Prior Y, Radford K, Culley J, Whitham D, Ruth P-J. Job retention vocational rehabilitation for employed people with inflammatory arthritis (WORK-IA): a feasibility randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017;18(1):315.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

40.

Hansen BB, Kirkeskov L, Begtrup LM. Early occupational intervention for people with low back pain in physically demanding jobs: a randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med. 2019;16(8):e1002898.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

41.

Lee W-YA, Lee W-CE, Law S-W, Lau W-KA, Leung S-M, Sieh K-M, Luk F-YS, Law K-YR. Managing psychosocial contributors in low back pain patients—a randomised controlled trial. J Orthop Trauma Rehabilitation. 2013;17(1):46–51.CrossRef

42.

Becker A, Angerer P, Müller A. The prevention of musculoskeletal complaints: a randomized controlled trial on additional effects of a work-related psychosocial coaching intervention compared to physiotherapy alone. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2017;90(4):357–71.PubMedCrossRef

43.

Jensen LD, Maribo T, Schiøttz-Christensen B, Madsen FH, Gonge B, Christensen M, Frost P. Counselling low-back-pain patients in secondary healthcare: a randomised trial addressing experienced workplace barriers and physical activity. Occup Environ Med. 2012;69(1):21–8.PubMedCrossRef

44.

Sennehed CP, Holmberg S, Axén I, Stigmar K, Forsbrand M, Petersson IF, Grahn B. Early workplace dialogue in physiotherapy practice improved work ability at 1-year follow-up-WorkUp, a randomised controlled trial in primary care. PAIN. 2018;159(8):1456–64.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef

45.

Wynne-Jones G, Artus M, Bishop A, Lawton SA, Lewis M, Jowett S, Kigozi J, Main C, Sowden G, Wathall S, Burton AK, van der Windt DA, Hay EM, Foster NE. Effectiveness and costs of a vocational advice service to improve work outcomes in patients with musculoskeletal pain in primary care: a cluster randomised trial (SWAP trial ISRCTN 52269669). PAIN. 2018;159(1):128–38.PubMedCrossRef

46.

Cohen D, Marfell N, Webb K, Robling M, Aylward M. Managing long-term worklessness in primary care: a focus group study. Occup Med (Lond). 2010;60(2):121–6.CrossRef

47.

Hann M, Sibbald B. General Practitioners’ attitudes towards Patients’ health and work. London: Department for Work and Pensions; 2011.

48.

Hiscock J, Ritchie J. The role of GPs in sickness certification. London: Department for Work and Pensions; 2001.

49.

Mowlam A, Lewis J. Exploring how general practitioners work with people on sick leave. London: Department for Work and Pensions; 2005.

50.

Buchbinder R, Underwood M, Hartvigsen J, Maher CG. The Lancet Series call to action to reduce low value care for low back pain: an update. PAIN. 2020;161:57–64.CrossRef

51.

Croft P, Sharma S, Foster NE. Primary care for low back pain: we don’t know the half of it. Pain. 2020;161(4):663–5.PubMedCrossRef

52.

Young AE, Wasiak R, Roessler RT, McPherson KM, Anema JR, van Poppel MN. Return-to-work outcomes following work disability: stakeholder motivations, interests and concerns. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):543–56.PubMedCrossRef

Title: Interventions to Promote Work‐Focused Care by Healthcare Providers for Individuals with Musculoskeletal Conditions a Scoping Review
Authors: Yanfei Xie
Nathan Hutting
Serena Bartys
Venerina Johnston
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Care
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-021-09971-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Interventions to Promote Work‐Focused Care by Healthcare Providers for Individuals with Musculoskeletal Conditions a Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 4/2021

The Association Between Case Manager Interactions and Serious Mental Illness Following a Physical Workplace Injury or Illness: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Workers’ Compensation Claimants in Ontario

Vocational Outcomes of the Individual Placement and Support Model in Subgroups of Diagnoses, Substance Abuse, and Forensic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Analysis of Pooled Original Data

Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing Motivational Interviewing as a Return to Work Intervention in a Norwegian Social Insurance Setting: A Mixed Methods Process Evaluation

Inability to Work Fulltime, Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Applicants for Work Disability Benefit

Towards the Use of 2D Video-Based Markerless Motion Capture to Measure and Parameterize Movement During Functional Capacity Evaluation

Two-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial of Inpatient Multimodal Occupational Rehabilitation Vs Outpatient Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Sick Listed Workers with Musculoskeletal or Common Mental Disorders