The role of healthcare providers in sustainable return-to-work for individuals with common mental disorders

Background

Many individuals with common mental disorders (CMDs) face challenges after returning to work following sickness absence. Healthcare providers and healthcare systems are well-placed to provide returnees with support which can facilitate sustainable return-to-work.

Sources of data

This narrative review has integrated data and literature from journal articles, reports, book chapters, and official NHS and UK statistics bodies.

Areas of agreement

Individual healthcare providers and healthcare systems can take various actions to support sustainable return-to-work for individuals with CMDs. These include utilizing shared decision-making, maintaining communication with other stakeholders, and delivering suitable interventions. Healthcare leadership systems should prioritize improving relevant provider knowledge and skills as many lack confidence managing cases involving return-to-work.

Areas of controversy

Healthcare providers face uncertainty about which supportive actions fall within their scope of practice.

Growing points: Research interest in sustainable return-to-work appears to have grown in recent years.

Areas timely for developing research

Future research should seek to clarify the definition of sustainable return-to-work and examine how resources across system levels can support sustainable return-to-work.