Quoi de neuf?

Purpose The workplace accommodation process is often affected by ineffective and inefficient communications and information exchanges among disabled employees and other stakeholders. Information systems (IS) can play a key role in facilitating a more effective and efficient accommodation process since IS has been shown to facilitate business processes and effect positive organizational changes. Since there is little to no research that exists on IS use to facilitate the workplace accommodation process, this paper, as a critical first step, examines how IS have been used in the accommodation process. Methods Thirty-six interviews were conducted with disabled employees from various organizations. Open, axial, and selective coding were part of the analysis. Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis was used to identify different levels of IS use based on participants' descriptions. Results An IS used in the workplace accommodation process consists of electronic request form, accommodation checklist, special budget, specific role, ancillary service, formal policy and procedure. There are different levels of IS use in the current accommodation process. The high-level IS use often results in a better accommodation performance than the low-level IS use, including high efficiency, high effectiveness, and low emotional tolls. Nevertheless, the high-level IS use often uses a specific, inflexible template as well as disregards human elements in the  accommodation process. Conclusion This work provides implications that future IS design should raise awareness of disability and accommodation, account for individual differences, involve multiple stakeholder inputs, as well as address the fundamental social issues in the accommodation process.

© Cao S. Work.  2023 Sep 30.

Purpose Inpatient rehabilitation is common in Germany to improve return-to-work outcomes. The objective of this systematic scoping review was to identify factors associated with return-to-work outcomes in musculoskeletal, psychological and oncological health conditions to improve tailoring of rehabilitation therapies. Methods A search was completed in Embase, Medline, PsycInfo and AMED until May 2023 for articles investigating inpatient rehabilitation including working-age patients with oncological, musculoskeletal, or psychological diseases using a quantitative design and reporting factors associated with return-to-work outcomes. Screening of all titles and abstracts was completed by one reviewer, full texts were read by two reviewers. Quality appraisal and data extraction was completed by two reviewers. Data was analysed using a narrative synthesis. Results Eighteen studies of moderate quality were included. The review identified a wide range of return-to-work parameters including employment status, work ability, sickness absence, retirement status and duration of employment since rehabilitation. In addition, 48 psychological, health- and work-related factors associated with return-to-work parameters were identified. Only one RCT investigated the relationship between a depression prevention intervention and a return-to-work outcome (work ability), which showed a significant effect. Conclusion In addition to the depression prevention intervention, only the factor 'health literacy' could be considered modifiable and be addressed as part of an inpatient rehabilitation programme. Furthermore, gradual work reintegration programs and/or workplace interventions in addition to inpatient rehabilitation should be further explored to improve return-to-work outcomes.

© Fohner K; Seipp H; Becker A; Maulbecker-Armstrong C; Schneider A; Seifart U; van der Wardt V.  Psychology Health & Medicine. 1-25, 2023 Oct 12.

Purpose To investigate the causal effect of sense of coherence on long-term work participation after rehabilitation, including stratification by age and diagnoses. Methods Design: Longitudinal cohort study. Participants: Patients aged ≤ 60 years, employed and accepted for somatic interprofessional rehabilitation in 2015 (n = 192). Data collection & analysis: Patients reported sense of coherence before rehabilitation in 2015 and mental and physical functioning in 2016. Register data were used to measure work participation during 2018 and days working without social security benefits during 2016-18. Regression models were used to explore the total effect of sense of coherence and the possible mediation of functioning. Results are reported as odds ratios (95% confidence intervals). Results During 2018, 77% of the total study cohort participated in work activities. The subgroup with musculoskeletal diagnoses had the fewest days of working without social security benefits. A causal relationship was found between sense of coherence and long-term work participation. Some of the effect of sense of coherence was mediated by mental functioning. The total effect of sense of coherence was strongest for patients with musculo-skeletal diagnoses (work participation: 1.11 (1.05, 1.17), days working without social security benefits: 1.05 (0.01, 109)). Conclusion Improving coping resources may be beneficial to facilitate long-term work participation after injury or illness, especially for individuals with musculoskeletal diagnoses.

© Berget AM; Moen VP; Hustoft M; Assmus J; Strand LI; Skouen JS; Hetlevik Ø, Journal of rehabilitation medicine, 2023 Oct 19; Vol. 55, pp. jrm11982

Purpose Musculoskeletal and mental health complaints are common in the general population and frequent reasons for healthcare utilization and work absence. Illness perceptions, coping expectancies, rumination and self-stigma are important factors in the management of these health complaints and factors closely linked to health literacy (HL). The aims of the study were to identify helpful elements in a brief intervention (BI) targeting HL regarding common musculoskeletal and mental health complaints and to identify patient perceptions of how the intervention was helpful and whether it affected their subsequent coping. Methods Three focus group interviews with 14 patients were conducted. Systematic text condensation was used for the analysis, supported by the health literacy skill (HLS) framework to sharpen the focus on intervention elements related to the acquisition and utilization of HLSs. Results Results revealed the importance of receiving comprehensible health information and guidance, the use of metaphors to create recognizable narratives and the use of practical examples and exercises. Normalizing the experienced health complaints, together with a safe and accommodating clinical environment, facilitated the change process. Conclusion The BI initiated processes that contributed to acceptance, resilience and empowerment, aiding work–life balance and return to work. The study presents authentic narratives of value for future focus in BI.

© Johnsen TL; Tveito TH; Øyeflaten I. Health Promotion International, Oct2023; 38(5): 1-12.

Purpose Our process evaluation (trial registration: DRKS00022468) monitored the implementation of a multi-component strategy including case management aiming to improve rehabilitation coverage and work participation of people with a high risk of permanent work disability. Methods A risk score using administrative data, particularly on employment and welfare benefits, was employed to identify individuals with higher probability of receiving disability pension and therefore potentially needing support. These individuals were contacted by post and encouraged to phone their regional case manager if they needed assistance. Content for the intervention components was developed collaboratively with the case managers. We examined the sample reached, dose delivered, fidelity, dose received and satisfaction with the intervention. Results Out of 1074 individuals with high-risk scores were contacted, there were 57 case managements. The participants reached were in poor health, and 42.1% reported at least four diagnosed conditions, mostly musculoskeletal and mental disorders. About two-thirds (63.0%) reported poor work ability at baseline. On average, 72.5% of the content of the initial telephone contacts, 88.7% of the content of the face-to-face interviews and 45.2% of the content of the case management were delivered. The participants were highly satisfied with the various components and content of the intervention. Knowledge about rehabilitation improved significantly, with 43 of the 57 participants (75.4%) applying for rehabilitation, mainly medical rehabilitation. At the end of the case management intervention, most participants (91.7%) were still employed. Conclusion The risk score offers an opportunity to screen for people with a high risk of permanent work disability. Case management participants found participation worthwhile and were significantly better informed about participation services after completing case management. More than every second participant received medical or vocational rehabilitation.

© Remus L; Grope M; Lemke S; Bethge M, Die Rehabilitation, 2023 Oct 27

Purpose Currently, there is no standard procedure for a return to work (RTW) rehabilitation program used by practitioners. The aim is to investigate the efficacy of occupational rehabilitation programs for workers with back pain. Methods Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full-text articles in a systematic literature search in three databases conducted in 2023. Subsequently, they extracted data according to the PRISMA Statement. Results Among the 4,010 articles retrieved, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Data from accepted studies were abstracted into tables relating to the RTW, improvement of pain intensity, quality of life (QOL), and degree of disability in persons with back pain. The risk of bias was assessed using the (SIGN)-criteria. Significant improvements in RTW were shown by a workplace intervention with a physical approach and a multidisciplinary intervention but with a wide range of effect sizes. Five studies showed significant improvements in pain intensity and QOL, six studies observed significant improvements in disability. Conclusion The studies that stated positive effects on work-related data differed between intervention programs and traditional care. A combination of activity, maintenance therapy, stretching, and manual therapy showed promising results in improving RTW. In addition, the relationship and mediation between employer/workplace and employee seems to be an important aspect of RTW. However, pain intensity, disability, and QOL were enhanced with interventions that included a high proportion of physical activity. However, the intervention programs differed widely, leading to the assumption that the treatment effect of the intervention programs is not established, yet.

© Kalski, L., Völkel, L., Häußler, S., & Wolfarth, B. (2023). Work 1-15.

Purpose Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries (MSDI) are conditions that affect the locomotor system characterized by pain and impairment of functionality. They are the leading cause of years lived with disability. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the return to work (RTW) among workers on sick leave due to MSDI. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 2020-2022. The participants were 216 workers who required social security compensation due to MSDI. They filled out online questionnaires about their sociodemographic characteristics, health risk behaviors, work characteristics and health conditions. They were followed for 365 days after their first day of sick leave. A Cox regression was performed to identify the factors that influenced their first RTW. Results Most participants were male (53.0%), mean age was 39.5 years (SD 10.6), 70.4% returned to work within the one-year follow-up period. The mean duration of sick leave was 192.6 days. Factors associated with a lower RTW were age 40 years and older (HR 0.54; 95%CI 0.39-0.76) and the interaction between perceptions of the need for improvement in the physical and psychological domains of quality of life (HR 0.67; 95%CI 0.48-0.94). Conclusions Occupational healthcare professionals should pay greater attention to patients who are aging and those with perceived worse physical and psychological conditions, in order to facilitate the reintegration process and promote sustained RTW after sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorder or injury.

© Silva-Junior JS; Martinez MC; Sekiya FS; de Miranda CB; Fischer FM. BMC Public Health. 23(1):1881, 2023 09 28.

Purpose Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) are the most common causes of disability worldwide and are associated with significant use of healthcare. One way to optimize the clinical outcomes of injured workers receiving rehabilitation is to identify and address individual prognostic factors (PF), which can facilitate the personalization of the treatment plan. As there is no pragmatic and systematic method to collect prognostic-related data, the purpose of the study was to develop and assess the acceptability of a set of questionnaires to establish the "prognostic profile" of workers with WRMD. Methods We utilized a multistep process to inform the acceptability of the Measures Associated to PrognoStic (MAPS) questionnaire. During STEP-1, a preliminary version of the was developed through a literature search followed by an expert consensus including a patient-advisor. During STEP-2, future users (rehabilitation professionals, healthcare administrators and compensation officers) were consulted through an online survey and were asked to rate the relevance of each content item; items that obtained >=80% of "totally agree" answers were included. They were also asked to prioritize PF according to their usefulness for clinical decision-making, as well as perceived efficacy to enhance the treatment plan. Results The questionnaire was developed with three categories: the outcome predicted, the unique PF, and prognostic tools. Personal PF (i.e.: coping strategies, fear-avoidance beliefs), pain related PF (i.e.: pain intensity/severity, duration of pain), and work-related PF (i.e.: work physical demands, work accommodations) were identified to be totally relevant and included in the questionnaire. 84% of the respondents agreed that their patients could complete the MAPS questionnaire in their clinical setting, while 75% totally agreed that the questionnaire is useful to personalize rehabilitation interventions. Conclusion The MAPS questionnaire was deemed acceptable to establish the "prognostic profile" of injured workers and help the clinicians in the treatment decision-making process.

© Tousignant-Laflamme Y; Houle C; Longtin C; Desmarais N; Gerard T; Perreault K; Lagueux E; Tetreault P; Blanchette MA; Beaudry H; Decary S. Physiotherapy Research International. e2053, 2023 Oct 07.

Purpose The incidence of sick leave due to stress-related disorders such as exhaustion disorder (ED) is high in many economically developed countries. Meanwhile, knowledge about facilitating return to work during clinical interventions for ED patients is still limited. The current study aimed to investigate if improvements in exhaustion symptoms, insomnia, perfectionistic behaviors, psychological flexibility, and perceived work ability during treatment of ED were associated with subsequent sick leave in the year following treatment. Methods Using a cohort of 880 ED patients who had participated in a multimodal intervention based on Cognitive Behavior Therapy, we estimated the association between one standard deviation (SD) improvement in treatment-related variables and the rate of net days of sick leave one-year following treatment. Results Our results showed that improvements in all treatment-related variables were associated with lower sick leave rates one year following treatment. Improvements in exhaustion symptoms (rate ratio (RR): 0.70 [95% CI 0.66; 0.75]) and self-perceived work ability (RR 0.56 [95% CI 0.50; 0.63]) showed the strongest associations to subsequent sick leave. Conclusions These findings suggest that interventions focusing on exhaustion symptoms, insomnia, perfectionistic behaviors, psychological flexibility, and perceived work ability can have a meaningful impact on ED patients' subsequent sick leave.

© van de Leur JC; Buhrman M; Wallby K; Karlstrom A; Johansson F. BMC Public Health. 23(1):1976, 2023 Oct 11.

Purpose This study assessed sustainable return to work (SRTW) of breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods We used data from the prospective French cohort, CANTO. We included 1811 stage I-III BCS who were <57 years old and employed at the moment of diagnosis and working 2 years after diagnosis. Using logistic regression, we investigated the role of clinical, health and socio-economic factors, and the work environment on SRTW 3 years after diagnosis. We compared having any sick leave with having worked continuously and being unemployed to having worked continuously between 2 and 3 years after diagnosis. Results Overall, 77% (n = 1395) worked continuously after return to work (RTW). Out of the other 416 BCS, 66% had any sick leave period, 33% had been unemployed, 4% had an early retirement, 2% a disability and 1% another status (multiple situations possible). Being on sick leave was associated with age > 50 (OR = 0.59; 95%CI = 0.43-0.82), stage III (2.56; 1.70-3.85), tumour subtype HR+/HER2+ (0.61; 0.39-0.95), severe fatigue (1.45; 1.06-1.98), workplace accommodations (1.63; 1.14-2.33) and life priorities (0.71; 0.53-0.95). Unemployment was associated with age > 50 (0.45; 0.29-0.72), working in the public sector (0.31; 0.19-0.51), for a small company (3.00; 1.74-5.20) and having a fixed-term contract (7.50; 4.74-11.86). Conclusions A high number of BCS have periods of sick leave or unemployment after RTW. The determinants differ between sick leave and unemployment.

© Ruiz de Azua G; Kousignian I; Vaz-Luis I; Di Meglio A; Caumette E; Havas J; Martin E; Martin AL; Querel O; Vanlemmens L; Pistilli B; Coutant C; Cottu PH; Merimeche AD; Lerebours F; Tredan O; Jouannaud C; Levy C; Dumas A; Menvielle G. Cancer Medicine. 12(18):19091-19101, 2023 Sep.

Purpose To map key concepts underpinning work-related studies about nurses with cancer and identify knowledge gaps. Methods A search was conducted in the PubMed R, CINAHL R, and PsycINFO R databases for articles about nurses with cancer and work-related topics published through March 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist was used to report results, and the JBI critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of studies. Results Eleven articles were included. The following four critical concepts were identified: role adjustments at work, cancer impacts on work, organizational support, and translating insights gained from cancer experience into work. Research gaps identified by the scoping review were a lack of theoretical or conceptual frameworks, lack of syntheses of main ideas, and lack of clear data about participants' socioeconomic status across studies. Conclusion Minimal research exists to map predictors, outcomes, or intervention targets to guide organizational strategies to support nurses' retention in the nursing workforce. A guiding framework, recruitment of diverse nurses, and focus on the four critical concepts identified in this scoping review are suggested for future research.

© You KL; Cummings MH; Bender CM; Fennimore LA; Rosenzweig MQ; Dierkes AM; Raina KD; Hagan Thomas T. Oncology Nursing Forum. 50(6):714-724, 2023 Oct 19.

Purpose Many patients with a malignant (i.e., grade II-IV) glioma are of working age, yet they are rarely included in "cancer and work" studies. Here, we explored (1) the work-related experiences and unmet needs of patients with a malignant glioma and (2) the experiences and needs of relevant healthcare and occupational (health) professionals ("professionals") in providing work-related support to this patient group. Methods Individual semi-structured interviews were held with patients with a malignant glioma who were of working age and had an employment contract at diagnosis, and relevant professionals. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results Patients (n = 22) were on average 46 ± 13 years of age (64% male) and diagnosed with a grade II (n = 12), III (n = 4), or IV glioma (n = 6). Professionals (n = 16) had on average 15 ± 9 years of relevant work experience with the patient group. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) having a malignant glioma: experienced consequences on work ability, (2) communicating about the consequences of a malignant glioma at work, (3) distilling the right approach: generic or tailored work-related support, and (4) accessibility of work-related support. Conclusions Glioma-specific consequences on patients' work ability necessitate better communication between, and tailored guidance for, patients, relevant professionals, and the workplace. Suggestions for improvement, e.g., the periodic use of comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, are provided in the article. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Patients with a malignant glioma would benefit from tailored and proactive outreach about work-related issues bv relevant professionals.

© Zegers AD; Coenen P; Heeren A; Takke N; Ardon H; Compter A; Dona D; Kouwenhoven M; Schagen SB; de Vos F; Duijts SFA, Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice, 2023 Oct 02.

Purpose To facilitate return to work (RTW) in patients with stroke, a health and employment support (HES) program was started at Rosai hospitals in Japan. This study aimed to determine the rate of RTW in patients with stroke under this support program. Methods We collected demographic and clinical data of patients with stroke from the implementation reports of the HES program. The program provided coordinated dual support, such as acute medical treatments, and stroke and vocational rehabilitation on the medical side, and management and support on the workplace side. The primary endpoint was RTW. Successful and unsuccessful RTW were examined using the chi2 test. The RTW rate curves were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results We enrolled 483 patients; 355 (73%) and 128 (27%) patients had successful and unsuccessful RTW, respectively. Stroke types, neurological findings, and activities of daily living were significant factors for RTW. The Kaplan-Meier method revealed that left hemiplegia, right hemiplegia, and neuropsychological deficits, except for combined disability (hemiplegia with neuropsychological deficits), had similar RTW curves with an RTW rate of > 70%.

© Umemura T; Hachisuka K; Saeki S; Nishizawa S; Yamamoto J. Scientific Reports. 13(1):15795, 2023 09 22.

Purpose To identify prognostic factors for return to work after stroke. Methods Data sources: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane and Embase were systematically searched. Study selection: Studies had to include people of working age (<65 years old) at the time of stroke (ischemic, haemorrhagic, or subarachnoid haemorrhage). The evaluation of return to work and rate of return to work had to be mentioned. Study selection was done by 2 independent authors. In total, 1241 articles were screened, 39 met all inclusion criteria. Data extraction: Characteristics of included studies were recorded independently by 2 authors. Differences were resolved through discussion or with a third author. Quality was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network quality assessment tool. Results Among the 39 studies, prognostic factors for return to work were haemorrhagic stroke (odds ratio 0.53 [95% confidence interval 0.45-0.60], n=18 studies), sex (male) (1.26 [1.14-1.40], n=31), aphasia (0.37 [0.20-0.69], n=7), occupation (white collar worker) (1.84 [1.64-2.06], n=17), independence in activities of daily living (3.99 [1.73-9.23], n=7) and stroke severity (NIHSS) (1.23 [1.08-1.39], n=6). Conclusions This meta-analysis highlighted positive and negative prognostic factors associated with return to work after stroke. Two categories were distinguished: modifiable and non-modifiable prognostic factors. This study provides information to help understand the issues, set appropriate objectives and implement appropriate strategies to guide people to return to work after stroke. Randomized controlled studies are needed to better evaluate work-place intervention programs as well as the effects of intravenous thrombolysis, and cognitive and neuropsychological rehabilitation on return-to-work rates after stroke.

© Orange C; Lanhers C; Coll G; Coste N; Dutheil F; Hauret I; Pereira B; Coudeyre E. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.  2023 Oct 03.

Purpose Life after stroke is a comprehensive area that involves engagement in meaningful everyday activities, including work, and can be adversely affected by post-stroke fatigue. This study investigates post-stroke fatigue, its development over time, and its impact on return to work and other everyday life activities. In addition, we investigated whether post-stroke fatigue could predict functioning in everyday life activities one year after stroke. Methods This prospective registry-based study includes 2850 working age (18 - 63 years) patients registered in the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) during year 2017 and 2018. Post-stroke fatigue and everyday activities were analyzed 3- and 12-months post-stroke. Results The mean age of the included participants was 54 years and the majority, 65%, were men. Three months post-stroke, 43% self-reported fatigue, at 12-months the proportion increased to 48%. About 90% of the patients were independent in basic ADL at 3-month. Dependence in complex activities one year post-stroke was significantly associated with fatigue. Not experiencing fatigue one year after stroke could predict positive functioning in everyday activities, increasing the chance of returning to work (OR = 3.7) and pre-stroke life and everyday activities (OR = 5.7). Conclusion Post-stroke fatigue is a common persistent disability that negatively impacts complex activities; therefore, fatigue needs to be acknowledged and addressed long term after discharge.

© Vollertsen J; Bjork M; Norlin AK; Ekbladh E. Annals of Medicine. 55(2):2269961, 2023.