Quoi de neuf?

Purpose Most patients with health conditions necessitating time off work consult in primary care. Offering vocational advice (VA) early within this setting may help them to return to work and reduce sickness absence. Previous research shows the benefits of VA interventions for musculoskeletal pain in primary care, but an intervention for a much broader primary care patient population has yet to be tested. The Work And Vocational advicE feasibility study tested patient identification and recruitment methods, explored participants' experiences of being invited to the study and their experiences of receiving VA. Methods Design: A mixed method, single arm feasibility study comprising both quantitative and qualitative analysis of recruitment and participation in the study. Setting: Primary care. Data collection:: The study included participant follow-up by fortnightly Short Message Service text and 6-week questionnaire. Stop/go criteria focus on recruitment and intervention engagement. The semistructured interviews explored participants' experiences of recruitment and receipt and engagement with the intervention. Results 19 participants were recruited (4.3% response rate). Identification of participants via retrospective fit-note searches was reasonably successful (13/19 (68%) identified), recruitment stop/go criteria were met with >=50% of those eligible and expressing an interest recruited. The stop/go criterion for intervention engagement was met with 16/19 (86%) participants having at least one contact with a vocational support worker. Five participants were interviewed; they reported positive experiences of recruitment and felt the VA intervention was acceptable. Conclusion This study demonstrates that delivering VA in primary care is feasible and acceptable. To ensure a future trial is feasible, recruitment strategies and data collection methods require additional refinement.

© Wynne-Jones G; Sowden G; Madan I; Walker-Bone K; Chew-Graham C; Saunders B; Lewis M; Bromley K; Jowett S; Parsons V; Mansell G; Cooke K; Lawton SA; Linaker C; Pemberton J; Cooper C; Foster NE.  BMJ Open. 15(12):e098768, 2025 Dec 29.

Purpose To assess the effectiveness of self-help interventions in reducing work disability and improving work- and health-related outcomes among individuals with musculoskeletal, anxiety, and/or depressive conditions; to explore lived experiences with self-help interventions; and to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings to guide future research and implementation. Methods We conducted a rapid mixed methods systematic review following World Health Organization (WHO) and Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group guidance. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental, qualitative, and mixed methods studies published in English since 2007. Eligible studies evaluated self-help interventions targeting musculoskeletal, anxiety, and/or depressive conditions in working-age adults (18-65 years). Quantitative outcomes included functioning, return-to-work, productivity, and self-efficacy; qualitative outcomes reflected user experiences. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, ROBINS-I, and CASP tools. Findings were synthesized narratively by intervention types and outcome domain. Results Eight studies met inclusion criteria: five RCTs, two quasi-experimental, and one qualitative. All seven quantitative studies were rated high risk of bias. Short-term improvements were observed in disability and physical quality of life in two exercise-based trials, but effects on work participation were inconsistent and generally below thresholds for clinical importance. Cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational programs produced small improvements in self-efficacy and presenteeism, and relaxation and educational interventions showed no meaningful effects. The qualitative study highlighted workplace barriers such as productivity pressures and limited opportunities for movement that constrained engagement. Conclusion Self-help interventions may modestly improve self-management, disability, and coping in the short term but show limited and inconsistent evidence for reducing work disability. Their effectiveness likely depends on adherence, contextual support, and integration into workplace environments. Future high-quality, co-designed, context-sensitive studies are needed to clarify effectiveness, safety, and sustainability in real-world settings.

© Atkinson-Graham M; Yu H; Cooper L; Weisberg J; Connell G; Allard S; Check L; Nkamtchoum AF; Flynn T; Lorca J; McIntyre V; Paterson J; Wagenaar A; Martin K; Gross DP; Straube S; Murnaghan K; Cancelliere C.  Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation.  2026 Jan 05.
 

Purpose Interprofessional collaboration among occupational health professionals (OHPs) is essential for guiding sick-listed employees and facilitating return to work (RTW). However, the lack of a shared language among different OHPs can hinder effective collaboration. To address this, an instrument and multidisciplinary guideline based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) were developed. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the ICF-based instrument and multidisciplinary guideline, as well as to explore OHPs' experiences to support implementation in daily practice. Methods A triangulated mixed-methods design was used, combining OHPs assessing work capacity with the instrument in practice for sick-listed employees, followed by interviews, case reviews, and focus groups with both medical and non-medical OHPs. The Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Implementation (MIDI) guided data collection and analysis. Results OHPs experienced the ICF-based instrument as comprehensible, usable for providing sick leave guidance, and particularly valuable for enabling qualitative assessments of work capacity and RTW possibilities. The so-called d-codes included in the instrument, derived from the ICF-framework, facilitated communication between medical and non-medical professionals. OHPs also found the instrument supported shared decision-making by incorporating both employees' and employers' perspectives. Application was especially suited for complex cases of long-term sick leave. Conclusions This study highlights the potential of implementing the ICF-based instrument and multidisciplinary guideline in occupational health practice to improve interprofessional collaboration during sick leave and RTW. OHPs reported that the instrument supports capturing both the strengths and limitations of sick-listed employees, while also addressing workplace and personal factors.

© Kreuger D; Carlier B; Donker-Cools BH; Anema JR; Schaafsma FG; Oomens S.  Work. 10519815251409721, 2026 Jan 09.

Purpose Sickness absenteeism represents a pressing challenge for employees, organizations, and societies. Although leadership is widely recognized as a determinant of employees’ health, the relationship between leaders’ Health-Focused Intervention Behavior (HFIB) and sickness absenteeism remains insufficiently understood. HFIB denotes leaders’ purposeful actions to support employees’ recovery, such as initiating health-related dialogue, adapting work conditions, and facilitating access to organizational and medical resources in case of ill-health. Grounded in Conservation of Resources theory, this research pursues three objectives: (1) to examine absenteeism as a theoretically and practically significant outcome of HFIB above and beyond (leader-member exchange) LMX, (2) to investigate pre-existing health impairments as an underexplored boundary condition shaping HFIB effectiveness, and (3) to explore the longitudinal development of sickness absenteeism trajectories by assessing individual differences in initial absenteeism (intercept) and change over time (slope) in relation to HFIB. Methods & results Drawing on multi-source data collected over 18 months, including six waves of sickness absenteeism following the baseline survey, we find that HFIB is negatively associated with sickness absenteeism, even after controlling for LMX, physical strain and respiratory diseases. Moreover, impairment severity moderates this relationship: contrary to expectations, employees with stronger impairments exhibit smaller reductions in sickness absenteeism than those with less severe impairments.

© Boehm, S. A., Khademi, M. et Baumgaertner, M. K. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2025.2606717
 

Purpose In this era of high competition and pandemic, the return to work is challenging because it requires organizations to balance operational demands with individualized support for employees recovering from psychological, physical, and/or personal setbacks. Additionally, managerial expectations, misalignment between workplace culture, and employee readiness can hinder effective reintegration, leading to reduced relapse or productivity. This study aimed to examine the influence of key organizational and psychological factors on employees' return-to-work. Methods A stratified sampling approach was employed to collect data from 370 employees who had successfully returned to work after experiencing work-related injuries and diseases. Eight hypotheses were formulated and validated using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS. Results Findings from the present study reveal that perceived organizational support has an insignificant impact on the return to work; however, it has a significant impact on strategic human resource management and psychological empowerment. In addition, the present study confirmed a significant impact of organizational hierarchy culture on return-to-work and psychological empowerment. Thus, strategic human resource management had a significant impact on return-to-work rates and psychological empowerment. Finally, psychological empowerment had a significant impact on the return to work. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of culturally aligned human resource strategies and psychological factors in fostering successful employee reintegration after work absence. These findings have practical implications for human resource professionals and policymakers aiming to design effective, inclusive, and sustainable return-to-work programs tailored to hierarchical organizational environments.

© Tawfig N; Farsi S; Lary A; Aggad K. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences. 6:1679281, 2025.
 

Purpose Work-related anxiety can result in prolonged work incapacity and reduce return-to-work probabilities. Despite the prevalence of work-related anxiety in somatic rehabilitation settings, there has been little research examining the experiences of affected patients from a public health perspective. This research project aims to address this gap by providing initial insights into the care provided to patients with somatic complaints and patients with additional work-related anxiety. Methods A sequential mixed methods approach was employed, beginning with semi-structured interviews (2022, n = 18 orthopedic rehabilitation patients), followed by questionnaire distribution (2023, n = 53). Qualitative analysis distinguished between patients with higher (JA) and lower (nJA) Job Anxiety Scale scores (cut-off 2.5). Results The findings highlight notable differences between JA and nJA patients. JA patients often report that they face unmet psychological needs, limited work-related treatment focus, financial barriers, and inadequate occupational support, relying more on self-initiative for reliable information. In contrast, nJA patients appear to benefit from stronger social networks, stable financial resources, and improved access to healthcare. Both groups report mixed experiences with workplace support. For professionals the findings underline that JA patients are specifically in need of work-related interventions, even patients themselves remind about this. Conclusions The findings illustrate significant differences between JA and nJA patients in terms of their experiences, challenges, and support needs within healthcare, workplace, and rehabilitation contexts. While qualitatively insightful, these findings are pilot and explorative and warrant further research.

© Kleist L; Weisenstein F; Muschalla B; Kuhn L; Wengemuth E; Choi KA. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health 23(1), 2026 Jan 20.
 

Purpose This study compared return-to-work (RTW) outcomes among Norwegian patients with musculoskeletal or common mental disorders participating in a 4-week inpatient or 3-month outpatient occupational rehabilitation program, examining associations between program type, pre-intervention sick-leave duration, and RTW. Methods An observational cohort (n = 857) was categorized into five pre-intervention benefit groups, including Group 1 (partial benefits for ≥ 6 weeks) and Group 2 (90-100% benefits for 6 weeks through 5 months). Primary outcome was time to stable RTW (first month without sickness benefits); secondary outcome was cumulative work participation over 24 months. Results RTW hazard varied by group and time. During the first 3 months, outpatients in Group 1 had a threefold higher hazard of stable RTW than inpatients (HR = 3.61, p = .03). Between 3 and 10 months, the pattern reversed, favoring inpatients (outpatient HR = 0.68, p = .01). After 10 months, outpatients again had higher RTW hazards, significant only in Group 1. In Group 2, no outpatients achieved RTW during the first 3 months; furthermore, between 3 and 10 months, inpatients had a significantly higher RTW hazard (outpatient HR = 0.38, p = .02). Median months worked over 24 months was 18.1 for outpatients vs. 12.8 for inpatients in Group 1 (p = .08), and 0.6 vs. 5.3 in Group 2 (p = .04). Conclusion Pre-intervention sick-leave duration strongly influences RTW. Program effectiveness is time- and subgroup dependent. Patients with remaining work attachment (partial benefits) may benefit more from outpatient care, while those on full-time benefits for moderate durations benefit more from intensive inpatient programs, suggesting a need for stratified allocation.

© Eftedal M; Jensen C. Journal of occupational rehabilitation, 2026 Jan 16.
 

Purpose Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) contribute to work disability arising from personal and work-related physical, organizational and psychosocial factors that often differentially affect men and women. We aimed to identify determinants of the sex/gender difference in duration of MSD work absence through a mixed-studies systematic review. Methods We synthesized evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach adapted to prognostic studies and meta-ethnography for qualitative studies, followed by a mixed synthesis. Results Twenty-six quantitative and four qualitative studies contributed to the evidence synthesis. Only two of the twenty-six quantitative studies addressed the sex/gender gap directly, compared to three of the four qualitative studies. Most other quantitative studies provided evidence from sex/gender-stratified analyses of determinants of MSD disability. The synthesis of qualitative studies suggested that domestic strain, less access to modified work/retraining, and gender-biased attitudes of health and insurance system gatekeepers hindered women's return to work. Prognostic factors in women supporting this conclusion from quantitative studies included the combination "working >= 40 h/week and having dependents" and low supervisor support. The mixed synthesis yielded a conceptual model of hypothesized determinants of the sex/gender difference in MSD work disability that integrates factors from personal, workplace, healthcare and insurance-disability management spheres, influenced by the larger sociopolitical, cultural and macroeconomic context. Conclusions Studies directly addressing the sex/gender gap in MSD disability are needed. These can be informed by the proposed model. Practitioners and policymakers can build upon the model to develop and implement MSD prevention and rehabilitation interventions tailored to the needs of men and women to reduce sex/gender disparities.

© Stock S; Nicolakakis N; Cullen K; Dionne CE; Franche RL; Lederer V; MacDermid JC; MacEachen E; Messing K; Nastasia I.  Healthcare. 13(24), 2025 Dec 10.
 

Purpose This study explores how individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) experience and navigate return-to-work (RTW) processes and identifies their suggestions for improving coherence in RTW processes. Methods Seventeen outpatients from a Spine Clinic, all of whom were either currently or recently on long-term sick leave (exceeding 30 days) due to CLBP, participated in three semi-structured interviews and four focus group sessions. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and interpreted through a health literacy (HL) perspective. Results Four overarching themes were constructed: Psychological vulnerability; Seeking diagnostic and RTW clarity; Lack of recognition and flexible support from stakeholders; and Absence of professional consensus in RTW planning. Each theme comprised two subthemes. Conclusion By adopting an HL perspective, this study provides insight into how limited interactive and critical HL can hinder engagement in RTW processes among individuals with CLBP, particularly when combined with emotional vulnerability, diagnostic uncertainty, and fragmented service coordination. These findings suggest that HL-responsive practices may help reduce HL-related inequalities and support more coherent, equitable, and accessible RTW processes.

© Frydenlund G; Hansen A; O'Neill S; Sondergaard J; Mortensen OS.  Disability & Rehabilitation. 1-13, 2026 Jan 08.

Purpose Employment is a key determinant of health, but mental health treatments have limited success on return-to-work (RTW) in depression and anxiety. We investigated the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy combined with work-focused components (MCT + WF) to improve RTW and reduce anxiety and depression in patients on sick leave. Methods This single-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial was conducted at an outpatient clinic (Diakonhjemmet Hospital) in Norway. Eligible patients were adults on sick leave with depression and/or anxiety. Patients with severe mental disorder or substance abuse were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned using computer-generated block randomisation, stratified by gender and percentage of sick leave, to receive either immediate MCT + WF or delayed MCT + WF after 8–12 weeks on a waitlist. Outcome assessors were blinded. Primary outcomes were depression (BDI-II), anxiety (BAI), and RTW at 12 weeks. Sick leave data were obtained from a national registry and self-report; symptoms were self-reported. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle, including all randomised participants. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03301922. Results Between Sept 11, 2017, and Nov 17, 2020, 236 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to immediate MCT + WF (n = 121) or waitlist (n = 115). At 12 weeks, logistic regression of registry data showed significantly higher RTW in the immediate MCT + WF group (39%; 47/121) than in the waitlist group (20%; 23/115; OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.32–4.32; p = 0.0040), consistent with self-reported RTW (42% (51/121) versus 18% (20/114); OR = 3.44, 95% CI: [1.87, 6.35], p < 0.0001). Multilevel models revealed greater reductions in anxiety (time × group interaction coefficient = −8.35, 95% CI –10.61 to −6.09; p < 0.0001) and depression (−10.84, 95% CI –13.25 to −8.44; p < 0.0001) for immediate MCT + WF versus waiting. No serious adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions Immediate MCT + WF significantly improved RTW and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety compared with waiting. Generalisability may be constrained by Norway's welfare system; strengths include registry data and naturalistic outpatient setting. The favourable outcomes suggest that MCT + WF could be integrated into mental health care.

© Gjengedal RGH; Hannisdal M; Osnes K; Reme SE; Wells A; Blonk R; Lending HD; Johnson SU; Lagerveld SE; Anyan F; Nordahl HM; Gerritsen RBTW; Bjørndal MT; Wright D; Sandin K; Bjøntegård KS; Schwach J; Hjemdal O. eClinicalMedicine, 89: 103613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103613
 

Purpose The post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is associated with reduced work ability, increased sick leave and delayed return to work. Yet, the relationship is complex due to a heterogeneous set of PCS symptoms and the multifaceted nature of work ability. Methods Based on a population-based longitudinal study (n = 5422, 18-65 years) conducted in the Southwest of Germany, we describe the evolution of work ability (mWAI1), task-related work ability (mWAI2), and sick leave 6-12 and 24 months after a SARS-CoV-2 index infection and confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction. Descriptive analyses on mWAI1 and mWAI2 and adjusted linear regression analyses were performed. Results 1.1% of our population was continuously on sick leave since the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection (about 24 months after the infection). Pre-infection mWAI1 was not regained due to persisting or newly occurring symptoms of fatigue, neurocognitive impairment and anxiety/depression/sleep disorders that were related also to lower mWAI2. Effect modifiers of the associations between risk factors and mWAI1 or mWAI2 were age, working tasks, and comorbid mental conditions. Further  SARS-CoV-2 infections were associated with poorer mWAI2 in physically (regression coefficient, 95% confidence intervals: -3.45 (-6.15,-0.74) but not mentally working participants (0.20 (-0.54,0.95)) and age proved to be a stronger risk factor for mWAI2 in physically working subjects. Conclusions We confirmed known risk factors but further emphasized effect modifiers like working task or comorbid mental disorders for work ability and described variables related to sick leave after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

© Braig S; Peter RS; Nieters A; Krausslich HG; Brockmann SO; Gopel S; Merle U; Steinacker JM; Kern WV; Rothenbacher D.  BMC Public Health.  2025 Dec 30.
 

Purpose This study examined the support provided by occupational physicians (OPs) in Japan to employees with Long COVID, a condition that has significantly affected workforce health during the pandemic. Methods An exploratory cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, consisting of qualitative interviews followed by a questionnaire survey targeting OPs certified by the Japan Society for Occupational Health. The interviews explored actual experiences of supporting workers with Long COVID, and the findings were used to develop the questionnaire. The survey and interview findings were integrated to describe overall occupational health practices. Results Twenty OPs reported 30 cases of employees with Long COVID in the interviews. Based on these findings, a questionnaire survey was conducted, yielding 182 valid responses. The integrated results showed that OPs most frequently reported Main OH Responses such as active listening, return-to-work assistance, and lifestyle guidance. Measures such as explaining workers' compensation applications and preparing lists of outpatient clinics were less frequently reported. For Advice for Employers, limitation of overtime, reduction of workload, and telework were commonly reported, whereas demotion and reassignment were rarely reported. Conclusions This study clarified how OPs in Japan supported workers with Long COVID through diverse, context-dependent practices. The identified Main OH Responses and Advice for Employers provide a framework for understanding current practices. Developing practical case examples, structured assessment tools, and workplace guidelines, together with further research grounded in real-world practice, will enhance OPs' ability to provide appropriate support and strengthen preparedness for future health crises.

© Igarashi Y; Tateishi S; Sawajima T; Harada A; Matsuoka J; Kawasumi M; Mori K. Journal of Occupational Health.  2025 Dec 29.
 

Purpose Work-related determinants of return to work (RTW) after breast cancer (BC) have been poorly studied. Methods We analysed data from 2095 patients with primary BC enrolled in the French multi-center prospective cohort CANTO between 2012 and 2018. We investigated the association between administrative, physical and psychosocial working conditions and RTW two years after diagnosis using Poisson regression with robust variance. All models were adjusted for age, education, having a partner or children, and clinical variables at diagnosis. Analyses stratified by education (up to/higher than high school) and by chemotherapy were conducted. Multiple imputations were performed. Results Having no weekly rest period of 48 consecutive hours (RR = 1.36 95% CI:1.09-1.81), strenuous work postures (RR = 1.48 95% CI:1.19-1.87) and shift work (RR = 1.40 95% CI:1.11-1.75) as well as low independence of decision making (RR = 1.33 95% CI:1.04-1.81) were associated with increased non-RTW. Not perceiving her own job as boring (RR = 0.61 95% CI:0.39-0.86) was associated with decreased non-RTW. Administrative working conditions did not impact RTW. Conclusion Working conditions emerged as potential levers to help women RTW. Our results underline the need for more targeted rehabilitation programs and personalized interventions to effectively help women in their RTW journey after BC.

© Ruiz de Azua G; Licaj I; Pinto S; Havas J; Di Meglio A; Vaz-Luis I; Pistilli B; Andre F; Martin AL; Everhard S; Jouannaud C; Fournier M; Rouanet P; Dhaini-Merimeche A; Sauterey B; Campone M; Tarpin C; Lerebours F; Dumas A; Menvielle G.  British Journal of Cancer. 134(1):92-98, 2026 Jan.

Purpose The return to work (RTW) is critical for physical, psychosocial, and financial wellbeing and the normalization of breast cancer (BC) survivors. While research indicates that these survivors experience several barriers to the RTW after treatment, limited knowledge exists on preparing the RTW during treatment from women's perspectives. Objective: To explore the experiences of women with BC preparing their RTW during cancer treatment. Methods A qualitative, inductive study was performed and 21 BC survivors with experience from RTW were interviewed individually. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the interviews. Results Most participants believed that their RTW would be unproblematic. They used all their energy to remain hopeful. Losing value as a human being and as an employee was a painful experience. The need for support to keep hope alive and nurture their feelings of value was described as crucial. Conclusions Feelings of hope and value were sustained through positive contact with the workplace, receipt of realistic information on the RTW, continuity of treatment and care, experiencing active listening from healthcare providers, and receipt of information about and coordination of support services.

© Aunan ST; Hauken MA; Bodsberg KG. European Journal of Cancer Care, 1/9/2026, 2025: 1-11.