Top

Published in:

Open Access 01-03-2018

Associations Between the Readiness for Return to Work Scale and Return to Work: A Prospective Study

Authors: Lene Aasdahl, Kristine Pape, Chris Jensen, Ottar Vasseljen, Tore Braathen, Roar Johnsen, Marius Steiro Fimland

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Purpose To explore the usefulness of the Readiness for return to work scale in individuals participating in occupational rehabilitation, by assessing the association between the scale and return to work (RTW), and comparing the scale to a question assessing individuals’ expectations about length of sick leave. Method Prospective cohort study with 9 months follow-up. Participants took part in one of two randomized clinical trials. Associations between the Readiness for RTW scale and RTW was analyzed using linear and logistic regression, with adjustment for age, gender and education. The Readiness for RTW scale was compared to a self-reported question assessing participants’ expectations about length of sick leave using adjusted/pseudo R². Results For participants not working (n = 96), high scores on two dimensions (Prepared for action—self-evaluative and Prepared for action—behavioral) were associated with a higher probability of sustainable RTW and more working days. For those working (n = 121), high scores on the Uncertain maintenance dimension was associated with a lower probability of sustainable RTW and less working days. Generally, models including the Readiness for RTW dimensions were not as good at explaining work outcomes as models including a single expectation question. Stage allocation, allocating participants to the dimension with the highest score, was problematic due to several tied scores between (not necessarily adjacent) dimensions. Conclusions Three of the Readiness for RTW dimensions were associated with RTW. However, several weaknesses with the Readiness for RTW scale were established and we particularly do not recommend the stage allocation approach for clinical use in its current form.

Available only for authorised users

Loisel P, Durand MJ, Berthelette D, Vezina N, Baril R, Gagnon D, et al. Disability prevention: new paradigm for the management of occupational back pain. Dis Manag Health Outcomes. 2001;9(7):351–60.CrossRef

Feuerstein M. A multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, evaluation, and management of work disability. J Occup Rehabil. 1991;1(1):5–12CrossRefPubMed

Schultz IZ, Stowell AW, Feuerstein M, Gatchel RJ. Models of return to work for musculoskeletal disorders. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(2):327–52.CrossRefPubMed

Franche RL, Krause N. Readiness for return to work following injury or illness: conceptualizing the interpersonal impact of health care, workplace, and insurance factors. J Occup Rehabil. 2002;12(4):233–56.CrossRefPubMed

Prochaska JO, DiClemente CC. Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: toward an integrative model of change. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1983;51(3):390–5.CrossRefPubMed

Krause N, Ragland DR. Occupational disability due to low back pain: a new interdisciplinary classification based on a phase model of disability. Spine. 1994;19(9):1011–20.CrossRefPubMed

Franche RL, Corbiere M, Lee H, Breslin FC, Hepburn CG. The Readiness for return-to-work (RRTW) scale: development and validation of a self-report staging scale in lost-time claimants with musculoskeletal disorders. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(3):450–72.CrossRefPubMed

Braathen TN, Brage S, Tellnes G, Eftedal M. Psychometric properties of the Readiness for return to work scale in inpatient occupational rehabilitation in Norway. J Occup Rehabil. 2013;23(3):371–80.CrossRefPubMed

Braathen TN, Brage S, Tellnes G, Irene O, Chris J, Eftedal M. A prospective study of the association between the Readiness for return to work scale and future work participation in Norway. J Occup Rehabil. 2014;24(4):650–7.CrossRefPubMed

10.

Stapelfeldt CM, Labriola M, Jensen AB, Andersen NT, Momsen AM, Nielsen CV. Municipal return to work management in cancer survivors undergoing cancer treatment: a protocol on a controlled intervention study. BMC Public Health. 2015;15:720.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

11.

Bültmann U, Brouwer S. Individual-level psychosocial factors and work disability prevention. Handbook of work disability. New York: Springer; 2013. pp. 149–62.

12.

Fimland MS, Vasseljen O, Gismervik S, Rise MB, Halsteinli V, Jacobsen HB, et al. Occupational rehabilitation programs for musculoskeletal pain and common mental health disorders: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2014;14(1):368.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

13.

Aasdahl L, Pape K, Vasseljen O, Johnsen R, Gismervik S, Jensen C, et al. Effects of inpatient multicomponent occupational rehabilitation versus less comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation on somatic and mental health: secondary outcomes of a randomized clinical trial. J Occup Rehabil. 2016. doi:10.1007/s10926-016-9679-5.PubMedCentral

14.

Pedersen P, Lund T, Lindholdt L, Nohr EA, Jensen C, Sogaard HJ, et al. Labour market trajectories following sickness absence due to self-reported all cause morbidity—a longitudinal study. BMC Public Health. 2016;16:337.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

15.

Laisne F, Lecomte C, Corbiere M. Biopsychosocial predictors of prognosis in musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature. Disabil Rehabil. 2012;34(5):355–82.CrossRefPubMed

16.

Brouwers EPM, Terluin B, Tiemens BG, Verhaak PFM. Predicting return to work in employees sick-listed due to minor mental disorders. J Occup Rehabil. 2009;19(4):323–32.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

17.

Fleten N, Johnsen R, Forde OH. Length of sick leave—why not ask the sick-listed? Sick-listed individuals predict their length of sick leave more accurately than professionals. BMC Public Health. 2004;4:46.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

18.

Hayes SC, Strosahl K, Wilson KG. Acceptance and commitment therapy: an experiential approach to behavior change. New York: Guilford Press; 1999.

19.

Zigmond AS, Snaith RP. The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1983;67(6):361–70.CrossRefPubMed

20.

Lund T, Labriola M, Christensen KB, Bultmann U, Villadsen E. Return to work among sickness-absent Danish employees: prospective results from the Danish work environment cohort study/national register on social transfer payments. Int J Rehabil Res. 2006;29(3):229–35.CrossRefPubMed

21.

Shaw WS, Pransky G, Fitzgerald TE. Early prognosis for low back disability: intervention strategies for health care providers. Disabil Rehabil. 2001;23(18):815–28.CrossRefPubMed

22.

Hoogendoorn WE, Bongers PM, de Vet HC, Ariens GA, van Mechelen W, Bouter LM. High physical work load and low job satisfaction increase the risk of sickness absence due to low back pain: results of a prospective cohort study. Occup Environ Med. 2002;59(5):323–8.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

23.

Franche RL, Baril R, Shaw W, Nicholas M, Loisel P. Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: optimizing the role of stakeholders in implementation and research. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):525–42.CrossRefPubMed

24.

Franche RL, Cullen K, Clarke J, Irvin E, Sinclair S, Frank J, et al. Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative literature. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):607–31.CrossRefPubMed

25.

Nieuwenhuijsen K, Verbeek JH, de Boer AG, Blonk RW, van Dijk FJ. Predicting the duration of sickness absence for patients with common mental disorders in occupational health care. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2006;32(1):67–74.CrossRefPubMed

Title: Associations Between the Readiness for Return to Work Scale and Return to Work: A Prospective Study
Authors: Lene Aasdahl
Kristine Pape
Chris Jensen
Ottar Vasseljen
Tore Braathen
Roar Johnsen
Marius Steiro Fimland
Publication date: 01-03-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9705-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Associations Between the Readiness for Return to Work Scale and Return to Work: A Prospective Study

Abstract

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 1/2018

Improving Assessment of Work Related Mental Health Function Using the Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery (WD-FAB)

Functional Capacity Evaluation in Upper Limb Reduction Deficiency and Amputation: Development and Pilot Testing

Effectiveness of Graded Return to Work After Multimodal Rehabilitation in Patients with Mental Disorders: A Propensity Score Analysis

The Effect of Self-Efficacy on Return-to-Work Outcomes for Workers with Psychological or Upper-Body Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Review of the Literature

Application of the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel to Understand Physicians’ Behaviors and Behavior Change in Using Temporary Work Modifications for Return to Work: A Qualitative Study

Determinants of Employment in People Living with HIV in the Netherlands