Design of an ACT based inpatient intervention for Return to Work - Poster

1. BACKGROUND In occupational medicine, there has been a paradigm shift from disease treatment to disability rehabilitation and management (Loisel et al., 2001; van Oostrom et al., 2009). Long term sick leave is now considered to be the result of interactions between the worker, her social surroundings and three systems: the healthcare system, workplace environment and financial compensation system (Franche & Krause, 2002; Loisel, et al., 2001; van Oostrom, et al., 2009). ACT has been proposed as effective treatment for a wide range of disorders (Pull 2009). One preliminary RCT has been published evaluating an individual ACT intervention for return to work (Dahl 2004) but little evidence exists on the effectiveness of ACT group interventions for return to work and the health economic 2. OBJECTIVES In Trondheim, Norway we are planning a RCT evaluation of a newly established rehabilitation center. Return to work will be the main outcome in this study. Secondary outcomes will be quality of life, change in symptoms and health economic analysis 3. DESIGN / TREATMENT All patients treated will be on sick-leave for a multitude of different diagnoses relating to musculoskeletal pain conditions and/or psychological disorders. Patients agree to participate after receiving a letter of invitation from the Norwegian National Labor and Welfare Service and receive 2 or 4 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. The multiple intervention integrates: 1) A physical (exercise) dimension 2) A workplace interaction and 3) An ACT based group intervention tailored for patients on sick leave.