A systematic review of psychological return-to-work interventions for people with mental health problems and/or physical injuries

Abstract

The objectives of the current systematic review are (a) to describe psychological return-to-work (RTW) interventions for people with mental health problems and/or physical injuries, and (b) to summarize the impact of these RTW interventions on work and health outcomes. Three conventional systematic review methods were used, and 14 studies were identified. The most popular psychological interventions focus on coping strategies, problem-solving strategies, and belief/attitude adjustments. These components are most often grouped together under the broad label, cognitive behavioural approach, an approach which has yielded significant results in terms of RTW and health improvement outcomes. Other key interventions include communication between stakeholders and the involvement of each framework level (i.e., individual, group, and organization) in the RTW process, supported by follow-up in the community.