Skip to main content
Key Specialties
Cardiology Diabetology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics and Gerontology Gynecology and Obstetrics Hematology Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology Pediatrics Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology Surgery
Congress Coverage
2024 ACC Congress 2023 ESMO Congress 2023 EASD Congress 2023 ERS Congress 2023 ESC Congress
Clinical Collections
Advances in Alzheimer’s

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.
ADVANCED SEARCH
Log in
Top
BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Study protocol

Cost-effectiveness of a workplace intervention for sick-listed employees with common mental disorders: design of a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Sandra H van Oostrom, Johannes R Anema, Berend Terluin, Henrica CW de Vet, Dirk L Knol, Willem van Mechelen

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2008

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

Considering the high costs of sick leave and the consequences of sick leave for employees, an early return-to-work of employees with mental disorders is very important. Therefore, a workplace intervention is developed based on a successful return-to-work intervention for employees with low back pain. The objective of this paper is to present the design of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the workplace intervention compared with usual care for sick-listed employees with common mental disorders.

Methods

The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with a follow-up of one year. Employees eligible for this study are on sick leave for 2 to 8 weeks with common mental disorders. The workplace intervention will be compared with usual care. The workplace intervention is a stepwise approach that aims to reach consensus about a return-to-work plan by active participation and strong commitment of both the sick-listed employee and the supervisor. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The primary outcome of this study is lasting return-to-work, which will be acquired from continuous registration systems of the companies after the follow-up. Secondary outcomes are total number of days of sick leave during the follow-up, severity of common mental disorders, coping style, job content, and attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy determinants. Cost-effectiveness will be evaluated from the societal perspective. A process evaluation will also be conducted.

Discussion

Return-to-work is difficult to discuss in the workplace for sick-listed employees with mental disorders and their supervisors. Therefore, this intervention offers a unique opportunity for the sick-listed employee and the supervisor to discuss barriers for return-to-work. Results of this study will possibly contribute to improvement of disability management for sick-listed employees with common mental disorders. Results will become available in 2009.

Trial registration

ISRCTN92307123
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
NKAP (Dutch Knowledge Centre of Work and Mind: Factsheet 2, facts and figures about work-related psychological disorders. [In Dutch: Factsheet 2, feiten en cijfers over arbeidsrelevante psychische aandoeningen]. Utrecht. 2004
2.
Department of Health: Choosing health: making healthier choices easier. (Public Health White Paper). 2004, London: DH
3.
The Dutch Institute of Psychologists (NIP) and the Dutch Association of Primary Care Psychologists (LVE): Work and mental health problems. Explanation about guidelines for psychologists. 2005, Amsterdam: NIP/LVE
4.
Henderson M, Glozier N, Holland EK: Long term sickness absence is caused by common conditions and needs managing. BMJ. 2005, 330: 802-803. 10.1136/bmj.330.7495.802.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
5.
Hensing G, Brage S, Nygard JF, Sandanger I, Tellnes G: Sickness absence with psychiatric disorders – an increased risk for marginalisation among men?. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2000, 35: 335-340. 10.1007/s001270050247.CrossRefPubMed
6.
Commissie Psychische Arbeidsongeschiktheid [Committee for Occupational Disability due to mental health problems]: Leidraad Aanpak verzuim om psychische redenen [Guidelines for Approaching Absenteeism due to Mental Health Problems]. Commissie Psychische Arbeidsongeschiktheid. 2001
7.
van der Klink JJ, ed: Guidelines for Mental Health Problems. 2000, Eindhoven: NVAB (Dutch Association of Occupational Physicians)
8.
Bowling A: What things are important in people's lives? A survey of the public's judgements to inform scales of health related quality of life. Soc Sci Med. 1995, 41: 1447-1462. 10.1016/0277-9536(95)00113-L.CrossRefPubMed
9.
van Oostrom SH, Anema JR, Terluin B, Venema A, de Vet HC, van Mechelen W: Development of a workplace intervention for sick-listed employees with stress-related mental disorders: Intervention Mapping as a useful tool. BMC Health Serv Res. 2007, 7: 127-10.1186/1472-6963-7-127.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
10.
Anema JR, Steenstra IA, Urlings IJ, Bongers PM, de Vroome EM, van Mechelen W: Participatory ergonomics as a return-to-work intervention: a future challenge?. Am J Ind Med. 2003, 44: 273-281. 10.1002/ajim.10259.CrossRefPubMed
11.
Anema JR, Steenstra IA, Bongers PM, de Vet HCW, Knol DL, van Mechelen W: Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation for Subacute Low Back Pain: Graded Activity or Workplace Intervention or Both? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Spine. 2007, 32: 291-298. 10.1097/01.brs.0000253604.90039.ad.CrossRefPubMed
12.
Loisel P, Durand MJ, Berthelette D, Vezina N, Baril R, Gagnon D, Lariviere C, Tremblay C: Disability prevention – New paradigm for the management of occupational back pain. Dis Manage Health Outcomes. 2001, 9: 351-360. 10.2165/00115677-200109070-00001.CrossRef
13.
Bartholomew LK, Parcel GS, Kok GJ, Gottlieb NH: Intervention Mapping: designing theory and evidence-based health promotion programs. 2001, Mountain View, California: Mayfield Publishing Company
14.
Altman DG, Schulz KF, Moher D, Egger M, Davidoff F, Elbourne D, Gotzsche PC, Lang T: The revised CONSORT statement for reporting randomized trials: explanation and elaboration. Ann Intern Med. 2001, 134: 663-694.CrossRefPubMed
15.
Begg C, Cho M, Eastwood S, Horton R, Moher D, Olkin I, Pitkin R, Rennie D, Schulz KF, Simel D, Stroup DF: Improving the quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials. The CONSORT statement. JAMA. 1996, 276: 637-639. 10.1001/jama.276.8.637.CrossRefPubMed
16.
17.
Terluin B, van Rhenen W, Schaufeli WB, de Haan M: The Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ): measuring distress and other mental health problems in a working population. Work Stress. 2004, 18: 187-207. 10.1080/0267837042000297535.CrossRef
18.
Gatchel RJ: Comorbidity of chronic pain and mental health disorders: the biopsychosocial perspective. Am Psychol. 2004, 59: 795-805. 10.1037/0003-066X.59.8.795.CrossRefPubMed
19.
Dersh J, Gatchel RJ, Polatin P, Mayer T: Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with chronic work-related musculoskeletal pain disability. J Occup Environ Med. 2002, 44: 459-468. 10.1097/00043764-200205000-00014.CrossRefPubMed
20.
Lotters F, Franche RL, Hogg-Johnson S, Burdorf A, Pole JD: The prognostic value of depressive symptoms, fear-avoidance, and self-efficacy for duration of lost-time benefits in workers with musculoskeletal disorders. Occup Environ Med. 2006, 63: 794-801. 10.1136/oem.2005.020420.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
21.
Haldorsen EM, Kronholm K, Skouen JS, Ursin H: Multimodal cognitive behavioral treatment of patients sicklisted for musculoskeletal pain: a randomized controlled study. Scand J Rheumatol. 1998, 27: 16-25. 10.1080/030097498441128.CrossRefPubMed
22.
Bakker IM, Terluin B, van Marwijk HW, Gundy CM, Smit JH, vanMechelen W, Stalman WA: 'Effectiveness of a Minimal Intervention for Stress-related mental disorders with Sick leave (MISS); study protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial in general practice [ISRCTN43779641]. BMC Public Health. 2006, 6: 124-10.1186/1471-2458-6-124.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
23.
Terluin B, van Marwijk HW, Ader HJ, de Vet HC, Penninx BW, Hermens ML, van Boeijen CA, van Balkom AJ, van der Klink JJ, Stalman WA: The Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ): a validation study of a multidimensional self-report questionnaire to assess distress, depression, anxiety and somatization. BMC Psychiatry. 2006, 6: 34-10.1186/1471-244X-6-34.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
24.
van der Klink JJ, van Dijk FJ: Dutch practice guidelines for managing adjustment disorders in occupational and primary health care. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2003, 29: 478-487.CrossRefPubMed
25.
Loisel P, Abenhaim L, Durand P, Esdaile JM, Suissa S, Gosselin L, Simard R, Turcotte J, Lemaire J: A population-based, randomized clinical trial on back pain management. Spine. 1997, 22: 2911-2918. 10.1097/00007632-199712150-00014.CrossRefPubMed
26.
de Jong AM, Vink P: Participatory ergonomics applied in installation work. Appl Ergon. 2002, 33: 439-448. 10.1016/S0003-6870(02)00033-9.CrossRefPubMed
27.
Staal JB, Hlobil H, Twisk JW, Smid T, Koke AJ, van Mechelen W: Graded activity for low back pain in occupational health care: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2004, 140: 77-84.CrossRefPubMed
28.
van der Klink JJ, Blonk RW, Schene AH, van Dijk FJ: Reducing long term sickness absence by an activating intervention in adjustment disorders: a cluster randomised controlled design. Occup Environ Med. 2003, 60: 429-437. 10.1136/oem.60.6.429.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
29.
Lisv: CAS: Classification of symptoms, diseases and causes for occupational and insurance physicians. 1997, Utrecht: Lisv
30.
Bramsen I, Bleiker EMA, Tiemstra AHM, Rossum SMGv, van der Ploeg HM: A Dutch adaptation of the ways of coping questionnaire: factor structure and psychometric properties. Anxiety Stress Coping. 1995, 8: 352-CrossRef
31.
Lazarus RS, Folkman S: Stress, appraisal and coping. 1984, New York: Springer Publishing Company
32.
Karasek R, Brisson C, Kawakami N, Houtman ILD, Bongers PM, Amick BC: The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ): an instrument for internationally comparative assessments of psychosocial job characteristics. J Occup Health Psychol. 1998, 3: 322-355. 10.1037/1076-8998.3.4.322.CrossRefPubMed
33.
Damoiseaux V, van der Molen HT, Kok GJ: Gezondheidsvoorlichting en gedragsverandering. 1998, Assen, Heerlen: Van Gorcum, Open Universiteit, 3
34.
de Vries H, Dijkstra M, Kuhlman P: Self-efficacy: The third factor besides attitude and subjective norm as a predictor of behavioural intentions. Health Educ Res. 1988, 3: 273-282. 10.1093/her/3.3.273.CrossRef
35.
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: 67-74.CrossRefPubMed
36.
Schaufeli WB, van Dierendonck D: Utrecht Burnout Scale: Manual (UBOS 2000). 2000, Swets Test Publishers (STP)
37.
Maslach C, Jackson SE: Maslach Burnout Inventory: manual research edition. 1986, Palo Alto: CA: Consulting Psychologists Press
38.
Hosman CMH: Psychosocial problems and seeking assistence. A social epidemiological study on behalf of preventive mental health care. 1983
39.
Hakkart-van Roijen L: Manual Trimbos/iMTA questionnaire for Costs associated with Psychiatric Illness (TiC-P). Institute for Medical Technology Assessment. 2002
40.
Oostenbrink JB, Bouwmans CAM, Koopmanschap MA, Rutten FFH: Manual for cost studies, methods and standard cost-prices for economic evaluation in health care. [In Dutch: Handleiding voor kostenonderzoek, methoden en standaard kostprijzen voor economische evaluaties]. 2004, Board of health care insurance
41.
Dolan P: Modeling valuations for EuroQol health states. Med Care. 1997, 35: 1095-1108. 10.1097/00005650-199711000-00002.CrossRefPubMed
42.
Verbeek JH, de Boer AG, van der Weide WE, Piirainen H, Anema JR, van Amstel RJ, Hartog F: Patient satisfaction with occupational health physicians, development of a questionnaire. Occup Environ Med. 2005, 62: 119-123. 10.1136/oem.2004.016303.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
43.
Stapleton C: Classification scheme. Ergonomics Abstracts Vol. 2000, London: Taylor & Francis Ltd, i-vii.
44.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: National occupational research agenda (NORA). 1996, Cincinnati: OH: US Department of Health and Human Services
45.
Jettinghoff K, Venema A, Anema JR, Steenstra IA: Toepasbaarheid van de Participatieve Aanpak Werkaanpassing bij verzuim ten gevolge van psychische werkbelasting (Feasability of the Participative Approach to Work Adjustment in Sick Leave caused by Psychological Job Strain). TBV. 2005, 13: 294-299.CrossRef
46.
47.
Goldenhar LM, LaMontagne AD, Katz T, Heaney C, Landsbergis P: The intervention research process in occupational safety and health: an overview from the National Occupational Research Agenda Intervention Effectiveness Research team. J Occup Environ Med. 2001, 43: 616-622. 10.1097/00043764-200107000-00008.CrossRefPubMed
48.
Dasinger LK, Krause N, Deegan LJ, Brand RJ, Rudolph L: Duration of work disability after low back injury: a comparison of administrative and self-reported outcomes. Am J Ind Med. 1999, 35: 619-631. 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199906)35:6<619::AID-AJIM9>3.0.CO;2-I.CrossRefPubMed
49.
Pole JD, Franche RL, Hogg-Johnson S, Vidmar M, Krause N: Duration of work disability: a comparison of self-report and administrative data. Am J Ind Med. 2006, 49: 394-401. 10.1002/ajim.20300.CrossRefPubMed
50.
de Vet HCW, Heymans MW, Dunn KM, Pope DP, van der Beek AJ, Macfarlane GJ, Bouter LM, Croft PR: Episodes of low back pain: a proposal for uniform definitions to be used in research. Spine. 2002, 27: 2409-2416. 10.1097/00007632-200211010-00016.CrossRefPubMed
51.
Steenstra IA, de Vroome EM, de Vet HCW, Bongers PM, van Mechelen W: Defining return to work, examples from a trial. Palma International Forum IX: Primary care research on low back pain; Palma de Mallorca.
52.
World Health Organization: Mental health policies and programmes in the workplace. Mental health policy and service guidance package. 2005
53.
Brouwer WB, van Exel NJ, Koopmanschap MA, Rutten FF: Productivity costs before and after absence from work: as important as common?. Health Policy. 2002, 61: 173-187. 10.1016/S0168-8510(01)00233-0.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Cost-effectiveness of a workplace intervention for sick-listed employees with common mental disorders: design of a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Sandra H van Oostrom
Johannes R Anema
Berend Terluin
Henrica CW de Vet
Dirk L Knol
Willem van Mechelen
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-8-12

Other articles of this Issue 1/2008

BMC Public Health 1/2008 Go to the issue

Research article

What needs to change to increase chlamydia screening in general practice in Australia? The views of general practitioners

Research article

The impact of overweight and obesity on health-related quality of life in childhood – results from an intervention study

Research article

Association between television viewing and the risk of metabolic syndrome in a community-based population

Study protocol

The effectiveness of brief personalized normative feedback in reducing alcohol-related problems amongst University students: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Research article

Screening for type 2 diabetes is feasible, acceptable, but associated with increased short-term anxiety: A randomised controlled trial in British general practice

Research article

Institutional trust and alcohol consumption in Sweden: The Swedish National Public Health Survey 2006