Faster recovery of work participation through collaboration between specialist mental health care and Employee Insurance Agency (UWV): a pilot study

Mental health complaints are among the most important causes for drop-out in the of labour market. At the same time, work has a positive influence on people's psychological health. AIM: To describe and evaluate the integrated approach of specialist mental health care and Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). METHOD: The integrated approach was evaluated for a group of 15 clients with anxiety and depressive disorders. Experiences with the approach were explored by treatment evaluation reports and semi-structured interviews with clients, practitioners, an insurance physician, a labour expert and several reintegration coaches. The degree of work participation was measured with the Participation Scale and the complaints were measured by regular ROM measurements. RESULTS: The degree of work participation increased during the integrated approach: 8 clients found an unpaid work experience placement, 2 found a paid job. No indications were found that the approach negatively influenced complaint recovery. The interviews showed that clients felt helped and that they experienced a clearly supportive network of committed professionals. CONCLUSION: The integrated approach, including work-focused therapy, was evaluated positively by all stakeholders and seems to contribute to work participation.