Collaborative-focused digital rehabilitation for individuals on sick leave due to stress-related mental health problems: Evaluation of collaboration and effects on mental health and return to work

Research problem and specific questionsDespite accumulating knowledge regarding various interventions for stress-related mental health problems, few studies have been able to demonstrate the effects on return to work.

In order for rehabilitation and the sick leave process to lead to sustainable outcomes, e.g. return to work, collaboration is required between various stakeholders, e.g. Social Insurance Agency, employers, and healthcare.

With the present project proposal, we aim to investigate the effects of a digital stress rehabilitation process that involves modules for collaboration.

The overall aim is to examine whether the intervention can reduce stress and other mental health problems, promote collaboration, and accelerate return to work.

We intend to evaluate the project in a randomized controlled study and a qualitative interview study.Data and methodOur research group has previously conducted several controlled studies on digital interventions for stress-related mental health problems, and therefore, we will be able to transfer many of those experiences to this project.

We intend to investigate the effects of the digital interventions on the primary outcomes (stress, return to work) as well as several of the secondary outcome measures (work ability).

We aim to evaluate collaboration through an interview survey involving a sample of representatives from the Social Insurance Agency, employers, and primary care physicians.Societal relevance and utilisationThe availability of preventive and rehabilitative interventions is not proportional to the societal needs and highlights the need to develop, evaluate, and implement interventions that are accessible, effective, and can support individuals with mental health problems throughout the sick leave process while facilitating collaboration with relevant stakeholders.Plan for project realisationThe present project will be carried out within the Center of Excellence (E-PABS) at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences.

In addition to personnel costs, we are also seeking funding for the development and adaptation of the digital programs and collaboration modules.

The study will be structured in three phases, with the first year dedicated to recruitment, development, and co-creation with collaborating stakeholders.

The second year will focus on implementing the effectiveness and interview studies, while the final year will involve compiling, analyzing, and reporting the study results.