Interventions to enhance work participation in people with chronic pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis including analysis of complex psychological intervention components

PURPOSE: Chronic pain impairs work participation. Psychological interventions can support people with chronic pain to work, yet little is known about which components are most effective. A systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of interventions targeting sick leave, return to work, work ability and work-related self-efficacy in chronic pain populations. Intervention content was analysed to identify effective components. METHODS: A search strategy was developed and applied to six databases from inception until 2nd March 2023, being updated in December 2024: PsychInFO, Medline, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase. Intervention descriptions were coded for intervention functions, theoretical domains and behaviour change techniques. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB-2 tool. RESULTS: = 0%). No intervention components appeared most effective, but five common components were identified: education, skills/training, social support, emotional regulation, and confidence building. CONCLUSION: Complex psychological interventions can positively influence work outcomes for people with chronic pain. Future research should prioritize high-quality studies and incorporate the five components to enhance work-focussed support.