Integrating services to improve the return-to-work process in depression or anxiety: results from a three-arm parallel randomized trial

IntroductionDepression and anxiety are very frequent and associated with high societal costs, much suffering and functional impairment. Employment is essential and pivotal recovery after sick-leave. In many countries, health care interventions are delivered separately from vocational rehabilitation services. This fragmented placement of interventions often implies lack of coordination, creating despair among sick-listed persons.ObjectivesThe aim of this trial was to investigate an integrated mental health care and vocational rehabilitation intervention to improve and hasten the return-to-work process among people sick-listed with anxiety or depression.MethodsIn this RCT, participants were randomly allocated to A) integrated interventions (INT), B) improved mental health care (MHC) or B) service as usual (SAU). Primary outcome was time to return-to-work during 12-month. Secondary outcomes were time to return-to-work at 6-month follow-up; levels of anxiety, depression, stress symptoms and social and occupational functioning at 6-month follow-up; and return-to-work measured as proportion in work at 12-month follow-up.Results631 individuals randomized. INT showed higher proportion in work compared with both SAU and MHC at the 12-month follow-up. We found no differences regarding return-to-work time at either the 6-or 12-month follow-up. No differences in symptoms between SAU, MCH or INT were detected, but MHC and INT showed lower scores on Cohen’s perceived stress scale compared with SAU at 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsAlthough INT did not hasten return-to-work, it yielded higher proportion in work compared with MHC and SAU.DisclosureNo significant relationships.