Work-directed interventions in primary care among employees on sickness absence due to common mental disorders: A feasibility study exploring what works, for whom, and under which circumstances

Research problem and specific aims Despite mounting research on work-directed interventions aimed at reducing sickness absence or increasing RTW among employees with common mental disorders (CMDs) incorporating depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders, their effectiveness is incongruent.

Hence, the specific aims are:to explore how coordinators and general practitioners perceive contextual factors, based on the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research, influencing their use of work-directed interventions in primary care,to explore how coordinators, general practitioners and employer representatives perceive the design, accessibility, usability, and acceptability of a ‘prototype’ problem-solving intervention with workplace involvement aimed at reducing sickness absence.Based on the findings from aim 1 and 2, the problem-solving intervention will be further developed, and the third aim is:to evaluate the feasibility of the problem-solving intervention with workplace involvement, and its preliminary effects on RTW and symptoms among employees on sickness absence due to CMDs in the primary care setting.

Data and method Feasibility design. Study participants: Aim 1 and 2: coordinators, general practitioners and employer representatives. Aim 3: employees on sickness absence due to CMDs, coordinators and/or general practitioners, employer representatives.

Data collection with focus group interviews with approx. 5 – 7 participants/group (in total 60-84 study participants) (aim 1, 2). A pre-post evaluation of a problem-solving intervention with 40 employees on sickness absence (aim 3). Data analysis: thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, linear mixed models.

Societal relevance and utilisation CMDs are today the most common reasons for sickness absence causing suffering, risk of social isolation, and long-term sick leave. The economic burden is considerable. Therefore, having employees on sickness absence returning to their work is a key priority.

The project will provide insights into the primary care settings´ challenges in providing interventions aimed at reducing sickness absence.

Plan for project realisation Letter of intent are provided as additional files and by co-applicants/contact persons Anna Finnes and Therese Hellman. Main costs: salaries. Additional costs: ethical review, transcription services, language editing, statistical support.