Effectiveness of Integration and Re-Integration into Work Strategies for Persons with Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review of European Strategies

Carla Sabariego, Michaela Coenen, Elizabeth Ito, Klemens Fheodoroff, Chiara Scaratti, Matilde Leonardi, Anastasia Vlachou, Panayiota Stavroussi, Valentina Brecelj, Dare S. Kovačič and Eva Esteban
Additional contact information
Carla Sabariego: Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Department of Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany
Michaela Coenen: Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Department of Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany
Elizabeth Ito: Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Department of Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany
Klemens Fheodoroff: Neurorehabilitation KABEG-Gailtal-Klinik, 9620 Hermagor, Austria
Chiara Scaratti: Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit; Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, 20133 Milan, Italy
Matilde Leonardi: Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit; Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, 20133 Milan, Italy
Anastasia Vlachou: Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
Panayiota Stavroussi: Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
Valentina Brecelj: Development Centre for Vocational Rehabilitation, University Rehabilitation Institute Republic of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Dare S. Kovačič: Development Centre for Vocational Rehabilitation, University Rehabilitation Institute Republic of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Eva Esteban: Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Department of Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-34

Abstract: Due to low employment rates associated to chronic conditions in Europe, it is essential to foster effective integration and re-integration into work strategies. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of strategies for integration and re-integration to work for persons with chronic diseases or with musculoskeletal disorders, implemented in Europe in the past five years. A systematic search was conducted in MedLine, PsycINFO, CDR-HTA, CDR-DARE and Cochrane Systematic Reviews. Overall, 32 relevant publications were identified. Of these, 21 were considered eligible after a methodological assessment and included. Positive changes in employment status, return to work and sick leave outcomes were achieved with graded sickness-absence certificates, part-time sick leave, early ergonomic interventions for back pain, disability evaluation followed by information and advice, and with multidisciplinary, coordinated and tailored return to work interventions. Additionally, a positive association between the co-existence of active labour market policies to promote employment and passive support measures (e.g., pensions or benefits) and the probability of finding a job was observed. Research on the evaluation of the effectiveness of strategies targeting integration and re-integration into work for persons with chronic health conditions needs, however, to be improved and strengthened.

Keywords: review; effectiveness; chronic disease; musculoskeletal diseases; disability; employment; return to work; sick leave; Europe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:3:p:552-:d:137006

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