8286142 Effectiveness of a computer-assisted protocol for occupational health professionals to reintegrate employees with musculoskeletal disorders

<h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-assisted reintegration protocol designed for occupational health professionals to facilitate a fast reintegration of employees on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders. We will also explore the duration until first consultation with an occupational health professional. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> Since 2020, a computer-assisted protocol is used by occupational health professionals of a large occupational health service in The Netherlands for the reintegration of employees at risk for long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders. A main characteristic of this protocol is an early consultation. In this study, we used register data of employees on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders working at organizations receiving reintegration according to the protocol and at organizations receiving usual care. We used descriptive statistics to explore the duration until first contact with an occupation health professional. We will use Cox regression analyses to investigate the effectiveness of the protocol on sick leave duration. <h3>Results</h3> Between January 2020 and July 2023, 28,796 employees (median age: 51.7 years; 38% female) on sick leave were diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disorder. Of these employees, 1,970 (median age: 51.8 years; 54% female) were at risk of long-term sick leave and received guidance according to the reintegration protocol. Preliminary results show that the median duration until first consultation was 21 days in this group compared to 26 days in employees receiving guidance according to usual care. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In line with a main aspect of the computer-assisted reintegration protocol, preliminary results indicate an early consultation with an occupational health professional for employees guided according to this protocol. Further analyses have to provide insights into the effectiveness of the new protocol on sick leave duration of employees with musculoskeletal disorders. <h3>Funding</h3> This study is financed by Arbo Unie BV. <h3>Other acknowledgements</h3> Jantine Maarleveld is a visiting researcher at Arbo Unie BV. Erwin Speklé is employed by Arbo Unie BV.