Feasibility of the Progressive Goal Attainment Program to increase work participation

Abstract Background Cognitions and perceptions, such as catastrophic thoughts and fear-avoidance beliefs, can negatively impact the work participation of workers with health problems. The Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP) aims to reduce inhibiting cognitions and perceptions and promote work participation. The goal of this qualitative study was to evaluate the feasibility of PGAP. Methods PGAP was offered to workers who were partially or fully absent from work due to long-term health problems. PGAP providers were occupational health practitioners from an occupational health service (OHS) in the Netherlands. In online interviews, we asked 15 workers and 4 PGAP providers about their experiences with PGAP. The questions were based on Bowen's feasibility model, which describes eight domains of feasibility: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration, expansion, and limited-efficacy. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to code the interviews. Results The PGAP participants and providers were generally very satisfied with PGAP and considered it feasible. The interviewees were satisfied with the acceptability of PGAP, including its content and structure, and the suitability for workers with long-term health issues. In terms of demand and expansion, both participants and providers agreed that the OHS should continue offering PGAP to workers. Regarding limited-efficacy, positive effects were observed, such as a more positive mindset and increased activity participation, including work. Regarding implementation, participants valued the weekly sessions. The timing of PGAP initiation and the alignment between provider and client were identified as key factors influencing successful implementation. Conclusions Both PGAP participants as PGAP providers in this study considered the implementation of PGAP in the OHS feasible. Future studies should demonstrate whether the implementation of PGAP is also (cost-)effective in increasing work participation. Key messages • PGAP participants and PGAP providers in this study considered the implementation of PGAP in the OHS feasible. • PGAP participants and PGAP providers mentioned positive effects of PGAP, such as increased participation in activities, including work.