Research Plus

Participatory RTW plan

A participatory return-to-work (RTW) programme designed specifically for temporary agency workers and unemployed workers off sick due to a musculoskeletal disorder resulted in a significant improvement in RTW rate. The randomised controlled trial involved workers sick-listed for two to eight weeks. Half received usual care (which included vocational rehabilitation under the Dutch social security scheme) and half were additionally enrolled on the participatory programme, comprising the development of a stepwise consensus-based RTW plan. This included the identification of obstacles and solutions to recovery and the possibility of a temporary/therapeutic work placement.

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2011; online first: doi: 10.1007/s10926-011-9291-7. http://goo.gl/id7OS

Tags evidence based practice msd - musculoskeletal disorder Return to work

Occupational Health at Work April/May 2011 (vol. 07/6) pp49-50