Pilot Trial of Workable: A Therapist-Supported Digital Program for Injured Workers

Joanna Crawford (), Jay Spence, Tali Lovegrove, Edman Tam, Daniel Collins, Samuel B. Harvey and Mark Deady
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Joanna Crawford: Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
Jay Spence: Uprise Services Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tali Lovegrove: Uprise Services Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Edman Tam: Uprise Services Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Daniel Collins: Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
Samuel B. Harvey: Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
Mark Deady: Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: Workplace sickness absence is a major public health and economic problem, and common mental disorders (CMDs) such as anxiety and depression are associated with particularly high rates of long-term sickness absence. Effective return-to-work (RTW) interventions are required. This pilot study investigates the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a new therapist-assisted Web-based RTW intervention ( Workable) for injured workers on sick leave for a psychological or physical injury. A single-group open pilot trial design was used, with assessments at pre-treatment and post-treatment. The intervention consisted of 6 weeks of online modules and 6 coaching calls from a psychologist. A total of 13 participants were recruited and 9 completed all questionnaires. Program adherence was high, with 92% of participants completing the 6-week intervention. Participants reported high levels of intervention satisfaction and ease of use. There were large and significant reductions between pre- and post-treatment on measures of depression, anxiety, stress, and workdays missed over the past four weeks, along with a significant increase in self-reported work ability. These results suggest that Workable is a feasible and acceptable intervention for injured workers, with the potential to improve mental health and RTW outcomes. A randomized controlled trial is required to determine the efficacy of the intervention.

Keywords: sick leave; return to work; eHealth; online intervention; blended intervention; satisfaction; depression; anxiety; absenteeism; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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