The Hysnes Project

In three randomized controlled trials the project evaluates three different rehabilitation programs intending to help sick listed individuals to return to work; two inpatient programs and one outpatient program.

All participants were sick-listed due to musculoskeletal disorders, common mental disorders and/or unspecific disorders, and absent from work between 8 weeks and 12 months. A 3.5 weeks inpatient program showed a considerable effect on sick leave compared to the less comprehensive outpatient program. While a short (4+4 days) program and a program involving the workplace did not show any effect.

Contact: Marius S. Fimland

Motivational interviewing in long-term sickness absence

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of motivational interviewing used by caseworkers at the social insurance office on sickness absence.

Contact: Egil A. Fors

Samsnakk

This project will develop a new model for interaction between the sick listed worker, the social insurance caseworker, the GP and the workplace for patients sick listed due to musculoskeletal complaints and common mental health complaints. The new model will be developed using intervention mapping.

Contact: Gunn Hege Marchand

"Rapid-return-to-work"-evaluation

The national "Rapid-return-to-work"-programme (2007-2017) was a comprehensive programme in the specialist health services aiming at reducing waiting time for treatment and thereby reducing sickness absence in Norway. From January 1st 2018, the project went into a new phase under the title "Health and Work". Work-focused treatment programs will now be offered within musculoskeletal disorders, mental health care and vocational rehabilitation at all hospital trusts, including some work-focused services within cancer treatment and brain trauma.

During the evaluation period 2018-2021, researchers at SINTEF and NTNU conduct follow-up research and evaluation on the consequences of the reorganization at both the system, service- and patient levels.

Contact: Silje L. Kaspersen