Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
K. Foehner, H. Seipp, A. Becker, C. Maulbecker-Armstrong, A. Schneider, U. Seifart, V. van der Wardt
Summary: Inpatient rehabilitation is common in Germany to improve return-to-work outcomes. This systematic scoping review identified various factors associated with return-to-work outcomes in musculoskeletal, psychological, and oncological health conditions. The study highlighted the importance of considering factors such as employment status, work ability, and health-related factors in rehabilitation programs. It also suggested the need for further research on gradual work reintegration programs and workplace interventions to enhance return-to-work outcomes.
PSYCHOLOGY HEALTH & MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Nicole Yun Ching Chen, Yanhong Dong, Zaylea Zhong Jie Kua
Summary: Return-to-work is a crucial goal for stroke survivors, but current rehabilitation programs often overlook the management of mood and fatigue, despite their significant impact on return-to-work rates. This systematic review surveyed randomized controlled trials on return-to-work programs after stroke, finding that interventions addressing mood and fatigue had higher success rates compared to those that did not. The findings highlight the importance of including psychological support and fatigue management in stroke rehabilitation programs.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
Yu-Jie Guo, Jue Tang, Jia-Mei Li, Ling-Li Zhu, Jia-Shuo Xu
Summary: This study reviews different types of return-to-work interventions for cancer patients and finds that physical exercises, making working plans, vocational consultations, educational leaflets, and combinations of vocational and physical interventions have positive effects on enhancing cancer patients' return-to-work. Other interventions still need to be developed and validated.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION
(2021)
Review
Nursing
Weizhe Sun, Leila Gholizadeh, Lin Perry, Kyoungrim Kang, Mehrdad Heydari
Summary: The study found that the mean time to return to work for patients following a myocardial infarction ranged from 46-192 days, with about half of the participants resuming work within 3 months. Factors associated with return to work included being male, younger, educated, non-manual workers or business owners, evaluating general and mental health highly, shorter hospitalization, fewer comorbidities, complications, and mental health issues.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Joanne Petty, Vanette McLennan, Elizabeth Kendall, Charles Edmund Degeneffe
Summary: The study aimed to explore the feasibility of using VR strategies for RTW in TBI patients and analyze the evaluation methods of these interventions and outcomes. A total of 23 studies that met the criteria were identified through literature search. The findings suggest a significant neglect of research on effective RTW approaches for TBI patients in the rehabilitation literature.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Gunilla M. Liedberg, Mathilda Bjork, Elena Dragioti, Christina Turesson
Summary: This review synthesized experiences of patients, employers, and health professionals regarding interventions for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain returning to work. Moderate evidence was found for factors improving the return to work process such as collaboration, support, and self-management strategies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Francesco Agostini, Letizia Pezzi, Marco Paoloni, Roberta Insabella, Carmine Attanasi, Andrea Bernetti, Raoul Saggini, Massimiliano Mangone, Teresa Paolucci
Summary: The literature review suggests that Motor Imagery (MI) combined with rhythmic-auditory cues may be an effective rehabilitation resource for reducing fatigue in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Positive effects were observed on perceived cognitive and psychological fatigue.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Lene Aasdahl, Marius Steiro Fimland, Cecilie Roe
Summary: This study found that both the constructs and stages of the RRTW scale had poor measurement properties and were not closely associated with predicting return to work in individuals with musculoskeletal and common mental disorders.
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gauthier Bellagamba, Aymeric Descamps, Cathia Cypowyj, Francois Eisinger, Antoine Villa, Marie-Pascale Lehucher-Michel
Summary: The study found that factors such as regular contact with the company during sick leave, optional pre-reinstatement visit with the occupational physician, and requesting treatment adaptation during treatment period can influence cancer survivors' return to work.
PSYCHOLOGY HEALTH & MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric Asaba, Lisette Farias, Elisabet Akesson
Summary: This study focuses on the return to work among working age adults who recovered from severe COVID-19. The findings suggest that return to work often requires several months of support and may be initiated earlier in the rehabilitation process. Additionally, there were no statistical differences in work ability index scores between 18 and 52 weeks after discharge.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Alexander Tingulstad, Jose Meneses-Echavez, Line Holtet Evensen, Maria Bjerk, Rigmor C. Berg
Summary: Long-term sick leave is a significant issue in developed countries, but the effectiveness of work-related interventions for workers with different diagnoses in facilitating return to work remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of such interventions and provide a foundation for future research. The results showed no conclusive evidence regarding the most effective intervention, highlighting the need for further studies.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Emma Borre Andersen, Maria Kristiansen, Sidsel Marie Bernt Jorgensen
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of existing qualitative evidence on barriers and facilitators to return to work for people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The findings highlight the influence of individual factors, work-related factors, factors in the health and social care systems, and social security policies and regulations on the complex process of returning to work following CVD. The review emphasizes the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary and coordinated vocational rehabilitation programs, as well as providing personalized information and support early in the rehabilitation process.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kathryn A. Radford, Christopher McKevitt, Sara Clarke, Katie Powers, Julie Phillips, Kristelle Craven, Caroline Watkins, Amanda Farrin, Jain Holmes, Rachel Cripps, Vicki McLellan, Tracey Sach, Richard Brindle, Ivana Holloway, Suzanne Hartley, Audrey Bowen, Rory J. O'Connor, Judith Stevens, Marion Walker, John Murray, Angela Shone, David Clarke
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the fidelity to the intervention and understand the social and structural context of its delivery by using mixed-method process evaluation. It also aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to intervention implementation. The study will observe the intervention training for therapists and analyze the use of remote mentor support. It will also assess fidelity through participant questionnaires and therapy record analysis. The study will conduct longitudinal case studies and interviews to understand the experiences of stroke survivors, carers, therapists, mentors, service managers, and employers. The qualitative and quantitative data will be independently analyzed and then synthesized to compare and integrate the findings. The study's results will be disseminated through various channels including journal publications and meetings with clinical leads.
Article
Psychiatry
Adeena Wisenthal
Summary: The rising number of mental health disability claims and work absences due to depression have significant human, economic, and social costs, highlighting the need for targeted treatment interventions. Cognitive work hardening (CWH) has been shown to help individuals returning to work following a depressive episode, bridging the gap between disability and competitive employment. This case report demonstrates the positive outcomes of implementing CWH in preparing an individual to return to work after a period of disability leave due to depression.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Orthopedics
Samuel S. Rudisill, Michael P. Kucharik, Nathan H. Varady, Scott D. Martin
Summary: This study systematically reviewed rehabilitation methods for acute hamstring injuries and prognostic factors associated with return to play. Surgery was effective for proximal hamstring ruptures, while nonoperative treatment was recommended for muscular injuries.
ORTHOPAEDIC JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lea Remus, Marei Grope, Stella Lemke, Matthias Bethge
Summary: This article presents a case management intervention for individuals at high risk of receiving a disability pension in Germany. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of a multi-component strategy in promoting participation and rehabilitation coverage. The research design includes a randomized controlled trial and an observational study to evaluate the implementation of the case management intervention.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Martin Schindl, Harald Zipko, Matthias Bethge
Summary: This study aimed to test the reproducibility of the increase in patient-reported functional ability after functional capacity evaluation (FCE). The results showed significant improvements in patient-reported functional ability after FCE in all three study cohorts, demonstrating consistency across different cohorts.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Hannes Banaschak, David Fauser, Annika Sternberg, Pia Zollmann, Marco Streibelt, Matthias Bethge
DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Frederike Booke, David Fauser, Nancy Reims, Matthias Bethge
Summary: This study examines the increase in unemployment rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic among people with and without severe disabilities in Germany. The findings show a significant increase in unemployment among the non-disabled population, while people with severe disabilities may be less affected due to legal protection. The study also reveals regional differences in the increase in unemployment rates, suggesting the influence of regional economics.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Inga L. Schulz, Ralf Stegmann, Uta Wegewitz, Matthias Bethge
Summary: This study aims to provide an overview of the national state of the art in workplace adjustments during return to work and to design a qualitative study examining current GRTW practices in Germany. The findings of the study may contribute to an improved implementation of GRTW not only in Germany but also in other countries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David Fauser, Ann-Kathrin Zeuner, Julia-Marie Zimmer, Andre Golla, Nadine Schmitt, Wilfried Mau, Matthias Bethge
Summary: The study found a relationship between self-reported work ability and rehabilitation, disability pensions, and death. Assessing work ability can help identify employees with back pain who may need more support.
WORK-A JOURNAL OF PREVENTION ASSESSMENT & REHABILITATION
(2022)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Annika Sternberg, David Fauser, Hannes Banaschak, Pia Zollmann, Marco Streibelt, Matthias Bethge
JOURNAL OF CARDIOPULMONARY REHABILITATION AND PREVENTION
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
David Fauser, Saskia Doetsch, Claudia Langer, Vera Kleineke, Claudia Kindel, Matthias Bethge
Summary: This study aims to test the effectiveness of a comprehensive diagnostic service to clarify intervention needs for employees with health restrictions and limited work ability. The study uses a randomized controlled trial design and assesses primary outcome of work ability and secondary outcomes including physical and mental health, impairment, and job demands.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
David Fauser, Hannes Banaschak, Pia Zollmann, Marco Streibelt, Matthias Bethge
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer rehabilitation in Germany using data from the German Pension Insurance. The results showed a significant decline in cancer rehabilitations, particularly for pensioners. This has a lasting impact on the participation of cancer survivors.
Editorial Material
Rehabilitation
Matthias Bethge
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nicole Ernstmann, Silke Kuske, Christine Holmberg, Michel Wensing, Bernd Reuschenbach, Andreas Buescher, Edmund Neugebauer, Ute Karbach, Matthias Bethge, Lena Ansmann, Holger Pfaff
Summary: The aim of the study was to develop recommendations for a core curriculum for master's degree programs in health services research. A survey of university lecturers, analysis of existing study programs, literature search and expert panel discussion were conducted to develop the recommendations. The final recommendations comprise 13 topics on five guiding questions with 26 subtopics, covering the areas of basic sciences, health care system and policy, research process, and knowledge transfer.
Article
Psychiatry
Matthias Bethge, David Fauser, Pia Zollmann, Marco Streibelt
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in the use of rehabilitation for patients with mental disorders in Germany in 2020 compared to 2019. The decline in rehabilitation utilisation varied by gender and region. It is important to address the increasing need for rehabilitation for people with mental disorders by making the access and delivery of rehabilitation services more flexible.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David Fauser, Nele Boos, Saskia Doetsch, Claudia Langer, Vera Kleineke, Claudia Kindel, Matthias Bethge
Summary: A novel diagnostic service combining rehabilitative and occupational health medicine was developed to understand health problems and support employees at risk of work participation. This feasibility study evaluated the implementation and analyzed changes in health and working ability.
ZENTRALBLATT FUR ARBEITSMEDIZIN ARBEITSSCHUTZ UND ERGONOMIE
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Miriam Markus, Annemarie Euhus, Matthias Bethge
Summary: This cohort study assessed the relative effectiveness of behavioural medical rehabilitation programmes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders and mental health comorbidity in Germany. The results showed that behavioural medical rehabilitation had a positive impact on improving pain and disease management skills.
JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Julia-Marie Zimmer, David Fauser, Andre Golla, Andreas Wienke, Nadine Schmitt, Matthias Bethge, Wilfried Mau
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the application behavior of individuals with disabling back pain and identify predictors for making an application. The results showed that despite the severity of back pain, the number of applications for rehabilitation was low, indicating underuse of medical rehabilitation services.
JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE
(2022)
