Extrait

Background and aims Common health problems such as back pain, heart problems and depression can cause hardship to people and to their families. Such problems often lead to sick leave (time away from work off sick), which may result in financial problems and long-term effects on employment, health and quality of life. Some employers give some support for workers on long-term sick leave through Occupational Health and employee assistance programmes. However, there is not much evidence that the help currently provided works. This research seeks to develop a simple, low cost treatment (intervention) which will help employees on long-term sick leave, by improving their well-being and hopefully encouraging return to work. Who can participate? Employees working for a company who have their Occupational Health services provided by OH Assist or Leicestershire Fit4Work. They must be currently on sick leave for between 4 weeks and up to 12 months. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated into one of two groups. Those in group 1 receive the Collaborative Case Management intervention. This begins with a 60 minute assessment, usually via the telephone, which will include setting goals (agreeing what support is needed) and deciding what treatment choices may help (such as help for depression, for pain or problem solving). Based on this assessment, the case manager (with consent) may contact key health care providers such as the person’s GP or nurse. Participants then receive up to 6 further sessions with the case manager over the next 12 weeks. Case managers (with participant agreement) also work with the employer and participant to identify barriers or problems to returning to work. Those in group 2 (the control group ) receive their usual care though their employers Occupational Health services. All participants are asked to complete a questionnaire, which will ask about how they are feeling and current health problems, before taking part in any treatment. They are given a £20 gift voucher for the time spent filling in the questionnaire. They are also asked to complete the same questionnaire again 3 months later, to see if there have been any changes in their feelings, for which they receive another £20 gift voucher. What are the possible benefits/risks to participating? We are not aware of any side effects, disadvantages or risks to taking part in this research. We hope that those receiving the treatment (Collaborative Case Management) receive improved support, have positive experiences with Occupational Health and that they will experience improved feelings of well-being. Those who do not receive the treatment will still receive the normal support provided by their usual Occupation Health provider. Where is the study run from? University of Manchester, working with OH Assist or Leicestershire Fit4Work. When is the study starting and how long will it run for? April 2014 to November 2015 Who is funding the study? National Institute of Health Research- Public Health Research programme (NIHR-PHR) (UK) Who is the main contact? Professor Peter Bower [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Employees with a range of patterns of sickness absence, and a complex mix of mental health and physical health problems, with high proportions suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety, and musculoskeletal symptoms

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn