Evaluation of a guidelines implementation intervention to reduce work disability and sick leaves related to chronic musculoskeletal pain: a theory-informed qualitative study in occupational health care.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for pain management and sick leave prescription were formulated and implemented in an occupational health services (OHS) in Finland to reduce work disability and sick leaves related to musculoskeletal pain. We investigated how the guidelines implementation intervention may have produced its effects, how the number of prescribed sick leave days varied before and after the launch of the guidelines, and which factors beyond physician behaviour were seen to influence sick leaves. METHODS: Seventeen physicians, two occupational physiotherapists and one occupational health care nurse were interviewed. Qualitative content analysis using both inductive and deductive approaches was performed, informed by Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework. Employees' sick leave days related to musculoskeletal disorders in 2015-2019 were drawn from the employer's register. RESULTS: Physicians' guidelines adherence was facilitated by psychological capability (e.g., having relevant knowledge, remembering to engage in recommended behaviours), reflective motivation (e.g., guidelines-related behaviours regarded as central part of one's professional role; beliefs in the positive consequences of recommended behaviours to employees and employers), and physical and social opportunities (e.g., adequate physical resources, culture of social support). Some physicians also described barriers to recommended behaviours (e.g., lack of knowledge or non-pharmacological pain treatment tools). The guidelines had served as sources of new knowledge, reminders of recommended practices and means of self-assessment. Considerable declining trend of prescribed sick leave days was detected, especially during the first years after the intervention, levelling off somewhat thereafter. OHS policies and structures were seen to enable professionals' focusing on preventing pain-related disability and prolonged sick leaves. The decline of sickness absences was also attributed to the municipal client organization's commitment and the employees' positive attitudes towards the alternatives to full-time sick leave. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines implementation intervention was found successful. The study showed the importance of social and organizational environment supporting physicians' engagement in recommended practices.

Application of the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel to Understand Physicians' Behaviors and Behavior Change in Using Temporary Work Modifications for Return to Work: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose Applying the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to understand physicians' behaviors and behavior change in using temporary work modifications (TWMs) for return to work (RTW). Methods Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 15 occupational physicians (OPs). Responses were coded using the TDF and the BCW. Results Key behaviors related to applying TWMs were initiating the process with the employee, making recommendations to the workplace, and following up the process. OP behaviors were influenced by several factors related to personal capability and motivation, and opportunities provided by the physical and social environment. Capability comprised relevant knowledge and skills related to applying TWMs, remembering to initiate TWMS and monitor the process, and being accustomed to reflective practice. Opportunity comprised physical resources (e.g., time, predefined procedures, and availability of modified work at companies), and social pressure from stakeholders. Motivation comprised conceptions of a proper OP role, confidence to carry out TWMs, personal RTW-related goals, beliefs about the outcomes of one's actions, feedback received from earlier cases, and feelings related to applying TWMs. OPs' perceived means to target these identified factors were linked to the following BCW intervention functions: education, training, persuasion, environmental restructuring, and enablement. The results suggest that at least these functions should be considered when designing future interventions. Conclusions Our study illustrates how theoretical frameworks TDF and BCW can be utilized in a RTW context to understand which determinants of physicians' behavior need to be targeted, and how, to promote desired behaviors.

Occupational Physicians' Reasoning about Recommending Early Return to Work with Work Modifications.

Previous research indicates that work modifications can effectively enhance return to work (RTW) at an early stage of work disability. We aimed to examine how occupational physicians (OPs) reason about recommending early return to work (RTW) with work modifications. Pre-defined propositions regarding the use of work modifications in promoting early RTW were discussed in four focus groups with altogether 11 Finnish OPs. Discussions were audio recorded, and the transcribed data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Five different rationales for supporting early RTW were identified: to manage medical conditions, to enhance employee well-being, to help workplace stakeholders, to reduce costs to society, and to enhance OP's own professional fulfillment. However, OPs identified situations and conditions in which early RTW may not be suitable. In addition, there were differences between the OPs in the interpretation of the rationales, suggesting variation in clinical practice. In conclusion, encouraging early RTW with work modifications was perceived by OPs as a meaningful task and, to a large extent, beneficial for employees and several stakeholders. However, this practice was not accepted without consideration to the RTW situation and context. If early RTW and work modifications are to be promoted, OPs should be offered education that addresses their views regarding this practice.

Efficacy of temporary work modifications on disability related to musculoskeletal pain or depressive symptoms--study protocol for a controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research suggests that work with a suitable workload may promote health and work retention in people with disability. This study will examine whether temporary work modifications at the early stage of work disability are effective in enhancing return to work (RTW) or staying at work among workers with musculoskeletal or depressive symptoms. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A single-centre controlled trial with modified stepped wedge design will be carried out in eight enterprises and their occupational health services (OHSs) in nine cities in Finland. Patients seeking medical advice due to musculoskeletal pain (≥4 on a scale from 0-10) or depressive symptoms (≥1 positive response to 2 screening questions) and fulfilling other inclusion criteria are eligible. The study involves an educational intervention among occupational physicians to enhance the initiation of work modifications. Primary outcomes are sustained RTW (≥4 weeks at work without a new sickness absence (SA)) and the total number of SA days during a 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes are intensity of musculoskeletal pain (scale 0-10), pain interference with work or sleep (scale 0-10) and severity of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), inquired via online questionnaires at baseline and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after recruitment. Information on SA days will be collected from the medical records of the OHSs over 12 months, before and after recruitment. The findings will give new information about the possibilities of training physicians to initiate work modifications and their effects on RTW in employees with work disability due to musculoskeletal pain or depressive symptoms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Coordinating Ethics Committee of Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa has granted approval for this study. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN74743666.