Work Reintegration Strategies After Absences Due to Mental Health Problems in Workers: A Systematic Review 2009-2019

Abstract

The diagnoses related to the psychosocial risk factors to which workers are exposed are a common problem that affects the productivity of companies. Currently, there is little information on methodologies for the reintegration of a worker with an acquired mental disorder. The aim was to describe the existing protocols or methodologies for work reintegration after absences caused by mental health problems of workers, in order to offer orientations that enable an effective reintegration. For the development of this review, the prisma methodology was used, searching for scientific articles published between 2009 and 2019 in the databases of indexed journals MedLine, PubMed, lilacs, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on clinical trial studies and systematic reviews in Spanish and English. We selected 48 articles to establish results in terms of mental disorders that generate work absence. We identified six categories according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (dsm-v), as well as the description and effectiveness of the interventions performed. We observed ten interventions and facilitating factors classified into six categories that orient the guidelines for the process of return to work (rw). Cognitive-behavioral therapies in person or online are the best alternative in the development of rw programs for workers with some type of mental health issue. Psychoeducation as standalone intervention is not recommended, however, its effectiveness as a tool that integrates other types of interventions is evidenced.