Addressing Mental Health Factors to Improve Outcomes in Work-Related COVID-19

Abstract

This study demonstrates the benefits of psychological treatment as an adjunctive intervention for improving work-relevant and adaptive functional outcomes and reducing duration of recovery for frontline essential workers diagnosed with COVID-19. The study has relevance for all workers for whom COVID-19 recovery is complicated by psychosocial factors or mental illness.

Neurocognitive and Symptom Validity Testing for Post–COVID-19 Condition in a Workers Compensation Context

“…This has been an especially problematic issue for frontline workers who are exposed to a combination of risk factors such as work-related chronic and acute stress as well as potential re-exposure. In a recent study of delayed COVID-19 recovery in 103 frontline workers in the United States, the use of Health Behavior Assessment and Intervention and work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved overall functional recovery and decreased duration of recovery and RTW 21 . An important finding was that the wide range of post–COVID-19 outcomes was not well predicted by psychosocial or demographic variables.…”

“…In a recent study of delayed COVID-19 recovery in 103 frontline workers in the United States, the use of Health Behavior Assessment and Intervention and work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved overall functional recovery and decreased duration of recovery and RTW. 21 An important finding was that the wide range of post–COVID-19 outcomes was not well predicted by psychosocial or demographic variables. The implementation of work-relevant mental health services, however, resulted in consistent and predictable improvements in adaptive and work-related functioning and reduced duration of recovery and RTW, despite the variability of presenting health problems and psychosocial stressors.…”

“…Explain the type and severity of psychological and neurocognitive complaints regarding assessment and treatment of post COVID-19 condition (PCC) Describe the benefits of earlier referral for neurocognitive and symptom validity evaluation in improving clinical and administrative outcomes for employees with PCC Discuss a standardized neurocognitive assessment to improve recovery and return-to-work readiness in work-related PCC frontline workers with delayed recovery from COVID-19. 21 The emphasis in that study was on proactively addressing the psychiatric features of stress, anxiety, and depressed mood to improve recovery and rate of RTW after the acute phase of the illness. Since then, however, there has been a growing concern about those identified as "long haulers," who report persistent cognitive symptoms such as short-term memory problems, concentration and attention difficulties, disorientation, and psychomotor slowing in addition to emotional adjustment and fear-avoidance issues.…”

“…An earlier study by the authors demonstrated the value of mental health services to improve the recovery and RTW process for frontline workers with delayed recovery from COVID-19 21 . The emphasis in that study was on proactively addressing the psychiatric features of stress, anxiety, and depressed mood to improve recovery and rate of RTW after the acute phase of the illness.…”

“…An earlier study by the authors demonstrated the value of mental health services to improve the recovery and RTW process for frontline workers with delayed recovery from COVID-19. 21 The emphasis in that study was on proactively addressing the psychiatric features of stress, anxiety, and depressed mood to improve recovery and rate of RTW after the acute phase of the illness. Since then, however, there has been a growing concern about those identified as “long haulers,” who report persistent cognitive symptoms such as short-term memory problems, concentration and attention difficulties, disorientation, and psychomotor slowing in addition to emotional adjustment and fear-avoidance issues.…”