Jens Peter Bonde ^A1, Mette Skou Rasmussen ^A1, Henrik Hjøllund ^A1, Susanne Wulf Svendsen ^A1, Henrik A. Kolstad ^A1, Lone Donbæk Jensen ^A1, Joanna Wieclaw ^A1
A1 From the Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
DOI: 10.1080/16501970410025487

Objective: Goal setting and motivational factors are strongly associated with maintaining a job and return to work after sick leave, but research into the effects of interventions targeting these factors is limited. We conducted a randomized controlled study to examine the vocational effect of intervention focusing on motivation, goal setting and planning for return to work. Design and methods: Of 243 patients at risk of long-term sick leave or job dropout, 184 (76%) provided complete baseline information for the study. After randomization to an intervention group (n =92) and a reference group (n =92), occupational physicians examined the participants in accordance with standard guidelines. The intervention group received additional support from a social worker in order to enhance goal setting, motivation and planning for return to work. After 1 year 163 participants (89%) provided data on general health and employment status. The risk of not being gainfully employed was analysed by logistic regression analysis with adjustment for several covariates. Results: The intervention did not increase the likelihood of gainful employment after 1 year or reduce the average number of days of sick leave. Conclusion: A low-cost counselling program addressing motivation, goal setting and planning for return to work did not improve vocational outcomes or reduce sick leave among patients with work-related disorders.