Development of a workplace intervention for sick-listed employees with stress-related mental disorders: Intervention Mapping as a useful tool
article
Background. To date, mental health problems and mental workload have been increasingly related to long-term sick leave and disability. However, there is, as yet, no structured protocol available for the identification and application of an intervention for stress-related mental health problems at the workplace. This paper describes the structured development, implementation and planning for the evaluation of a return-to-work intervention for sick-listed employees with stress-related mental disorders (SMDs). The intervention is based on an existing successful return-to-work intervention for sick-listed employees with low back pain. Methods. The principles of Intervention Mapping were applied to combine theory and evidence in the development, implementation and planning for the evaluation of a participatory workplace intervention, aimed at an early return-to-work for sick-listed employees with SMDs. All stakeholders were involved in focus group interviews: i.e. employees recently sick-listed with SMDs, supervisors and occupational health professionals. Results. The development of the participatory workplace intervention according to the Intervention Mapping principles resulted in a structured return-to-work intervention, specifically tailored to the needs of sick-listed employees with SMDs. Return-to-work was proposed as a behavioural change, and the Attitude - Social influence - self-Efficacy model was identified as a theoretical framework. Stakeholder involvement in focus group interviews served to enhance the implementation. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. Conclusion. Intervention Mapping was found to be a promising method to develop interventions tailored to a specific target group in the field of occupational health. Trial registration. ISRCTN92307123. © 2007 van Oostrom et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Topics
Veilig en Gezond WerkenCost effectiveness analysisEmployeeHealth practitionerHumanIntervention studyInterviewMental diseaseMental stressMethodologyOccupational healthSelf conceptCooperationHealth care qualityHnformation processingMedical leaveOrganizationOrganization and managementPractice guidelineProgram developmentPsychological aspectStatisticsClinical ProtocolsCooperative BehaviorFocus GroupsGuidelinesHealth Services ResearchHumansInterviewsMental DisordersNetherlandsOccupational Health ServicesOrganizational InnovationPatient Care PlanningProgram DevelopmentProgram EvaluationSelf EfficacySick LeaveStress, PsychologicalWorkplace
TNO Identifier
240243
ISSN
14726963
Source
BMC Health Services Research, 7
Article nr.
127