O-400 Perceptions and Experiences on Return-to-Work Interventions for People With Burnout: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Introduction Burnout is a work-related mental health problem and causes long-term work disability. Return-to-work interventions for burned-out employees aim to prevent long-term work disability. Research on the effectiveness of return-to-work interventions for burned-out employees shows inconclusive results due to heterogeneity of study population and intervention type (person-directed, workplace-directed). This study aims 1) to synthesize qualitative research evidence perceptions and experiences regarding return-to-work interventions and 2) to identify hypotheses about why some return-to-work interventions are more effective than others. Methods We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase and CINAHL from January 2000 to June 2023. We searched for qualitative or mixed methods studies that included qualitative findings on the experiences and perspectives of people with burnout, care givers, employers or other stakeholders on return-to-work interventions. We identified factors influencing effectiveness of return-to-work interventions using a framework thematic synthesis approach. We assessed the methodological limitations of included studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool for qualitative research. Results We identified 481 articles after removal of all duplicates. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria and we identified 3 key themes: 1) Burned-out people think the support of health professionals and their family promotes the return-to-work process 2) Adaptations in the workplace are considered to be essential by burned-out patients and line managers 3) Communication between all stakeholders is needed to prepare return to work. Discussion Stakeholders from different domains need to be involved in the return-to-work process of burned-out people. Conclusion An effective return-to-work intervention supports communication between health professionals, the workplace and burned-out people..