Multidisciplinary outpatient care program for patients with chronic low back pain: design of a randomized controlled trial and cost-effectiveness study [ISRCTN28478651]

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a major public and occupational health problem, which is associated with very high costs. Although medical costs for chronic LBP are high, most costs are related to productivity losses due to sick leave. In general, the prognosis for return to work (RTW) is good but a minority of patients will be absent long-term from work. Research shows that work related problems are associated with an increase in seeking medical care and sick leave. Usual medical care of patients is however, not specifically aimed at RTW.

Health-related effects of early part-time sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized controlled trial

“…In case of more chronic symptoms and higher productivity loss, substantial work modifications and more individually focused measures would likely be needed, such as cognitive behavioral approaches and the development of problem solving strategies (33). …”

Effectiveness of an integrated care intervention on supervisor support and work functioning of workers with rheumatoid arthritis

“…The workplace intervention was based on methods used in participatory ergonomics. [16,20,26] Participatory ergonomics has been defined as ''practical ergonomics with the participation of the necessary actors in problem solving''. [27] Participatory ergonomics empowers workers to design and change their own work, and consequently in decreasing risk factors at work.…”

“…In the Netherlands, patients sicklisted due to any disease visit occupational health services in case of prolonged sick leave, rather than earlier in the process to prevent limitations in work activities. [16] To support RA patients with work limitations, a multidisciplinary integrated care programme in which the rheumatologist and occupational health care cooperate is necessary. Because of the need for multidisciplinary recommendations for maintenance of work activities for RA patients, the Care for Work project was initiated, consisting of a two-component intervention programme to maintain and improve at-work productivity among working RA patients.…”

Effects of multidisciplinary pain treatment can be predicted without elaborate questionnaires

“…Outcome criteria to evaluate therapy success were QOL, pain reduction and back to work. These dependent outcome criteria were also used in studies by Lang and Lambeek [20,21].…”