Return to work after early part-time sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized controlled trial

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health

Kari-Pekka Martimo¹  Esa-Pekka Takala¹  Johanna Kausto¹  Ritva Luukkonen¹  Leena Kaila-Kangas¹  Jaro Karppinen¹  Helena Miranda¹  Rahman Shiri¹  Eira Viikari-Juntura² 

[1] ;Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland.;

关键词: musculoskeletal disorder;    sick leave;    intervention study;    work ability;    sickness absence;    return to work;    randomized controlled trial;    musculoskeletal disease;    msd;    sickness absence;    rct;    rtw;    occupational health practice;    fit note;   

DOI  :  10.5271/sjweh.3258

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of early part-time sick leave on return to work (RTW) and sickness absence among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted in six occupational health units of medium- and large-size enterprises. Patients aged 18–60 years with musculoskeletal disorders (N=63) unable to perform their regular work were randomly allocated to part- or full-time sick leave. In the former group, workload was reduced by restricting work time by about a half. Remaining work tasks were modified when necessary, as specified in a “fit note” from the physician. The main outcomes were time to return to regular work activities and sickness absence during 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Time to RTW sustained for ≥4 weeks was shorter in the intervention group (median 12 versus 20 days, P=0.10). Hazard ratio of RTW adjusted for age was 1.60 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.98–2.63] and 1.76 (95% CI 1.21–2.56) after further adjustment for pain interference with sleep and previous sickness absence at baseline. Total sickness absence during the 12-month follow-up was about 20% lower in the intervention than the control group. Compliance with the intervention was high with no discontinuations of part-time sick leave due to musculoskeletal reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Early part-time sick leave may provide a faster and more sustainable return to regular duties than full-time sick leave among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. This is the first study to show that work participation can be safely increased with early part-time sick leave.

【 授权许可】

Unknown