P-426 Restart: A Stepped-Care Approach to Facilitate Return to Work for Employees With Common Mental Health Problems: Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Common mental health problems (CMHPs) are highly prevalent among workers and often lead to long-term absenteeism. Effective elements found in previous researched interventions were to explicitly focus on return to work (RTW), to take into account the employees cognition towards RTW and to include the workplace environment. Based on these elements, a stepped-care approach was developed. The aim of this paper is to present the study design of a randomized controlled trial (RESTART), evaluating the effectiveness of the stepped-care approach on lasting RTW. Methods RESTART is an RCT with a 2x2 factorial design. Employees with 2-8 weeks sickness absence and CMHPs are eligible. Participants will be randomized to a group receiving a tailored e-Health app or usual care, as well as randomized to a group receiving a Participatory Approach in the workplace or usual care. The PA will only be provided in case of persistent sickness absence at 8 weeks. Measurement takes place at baseline, after the e-Health intervention period (8 weeks), immediately after the PA intervention period (6 months) and 12 months. Primary outcome is lasting RTW, defined as full RTW in previous or equal work for at least four consecutive weeks. Secondary outcomes are (the severity of) stress-related symptoms, total number of sickness absence days, self-efficacy for RTW and self-reported health. A realist evaluation and a process evaluation will also be conducted. Discussion Early intervention plays a crucial role in managing sickness absence among employees with CMHPs. If effective, the stepped-care approach is relevant for employees, employers and society as a whole.