Managing sickness absence among health and social care staff: multiple methods evaluation of an occupational therapy case management service

Background/Aims Staff sickness absence is a significant cause of lost capacity in NHS services. This study evaluated the effectiveness and acceptability of an occupational therapy intervention, designed to support NHS staff to return to work and prevent sickness absence. Methods A multiple methods service evaluation was conducted, with data collected between May 2021 and October 2023. Quantitative data (referrals, employee demographics and work outcomes) were collected from the service's records and analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected from nine NHS staff who used the service via semi-structured interviews and 10 individuals who had made referrals to the service via focus groups. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results A total of 506 staff members were referred to the occupational therapy service, of whom 316 (62.5%) were absent from work and 187 (37.0%) were still in work but at risk of sickness absence at the time of referral. Nearly one-third of those referred did not complete the programme. Of those who did complete the intervention, over 90% either returned to work or remained in work. Staff interviews reflected positive views of the timeliness and holistic nature of the intervention, while referrer focus groups highlighted the importance of early intervention and support for managers in cases of staff sickness. Conclusions This evaluation suggests that an intervention focused on supporting NHS staff to return to work can reduce sickness absence, although the attrition rate indicates that a better understanding of staff needs is required to optimise the service. Implications for practice Expanding early intervention beyond sickness absence can shift cultures to prevention. Empowering managers and employees to initiate support requests is important for engagement in vocational rehabilitation, thereby optimising positive work outcomes. Understanding attrition and non-engagement is key to improving service efficiency.