Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation最新文献

{"title":"The Influence of a Health Promotion Program on Health and Paid Employment Among Long-Term Non-employed Individuals in the Netherlands.","authors":"Roos W Hijdra, Marike van Kalken, Stijn de Zeeuw, Arie Dijkstra, Alex Burdorf, Merel Schuring","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10290-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-025-10290-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Long-term unemployment is accompanied by worse health, making it challenging to enter paid employment. This study aims to investigate effects of a health promotion program on physical and mental health, work ability, and entering paid employment among long-term non-employed individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In a longitudinal study, Exercise Works participants (N = 208) and a treatment-as-usual group (N = 117) were followed with measurements at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. The Exercise Works program is a health promotion program that lasts 12 to 18 weeks. It consists of individual- and group-based physical exercises, lifestyle education, and individual coaching for two half days per week. A generalized linear mixed model for repeated measurements was used to investigate changes within individuals in health status, employment participation, and work ability during the Exercise Works program in comparison to the control group. Subgroup analyses were performed based on socio-demographic characteristics and a per protocol analysis. Interviews with 20 participants and 21 professionals were conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study demonstrated no significant improvements in physical and mental health, work ability and being in paid employment participation among participants of Exercise Works compared to the control group. Participants and professionals had a very positive impression of the Exercise Works program.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite the Exercise Works program being positively received, the effect evaluation did not demonstrate its effectiveness. Complex problems of non-employed persons should be addressed when developing a health promotion program.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"493-502"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13099847/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144062836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Intersections of Race and Disability in the Context of Canadian Employment Support Systems Through the Experiences of Job Seekers/Workers, Employers, and Service Providers.","authors":"Eakam Grewal, Evelyne Durocher, Stephanie Premji, Rebecca Gewurtz","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10291-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-025-10291-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Racism and ableism have impacts at individual and organizational levels and can produce and reproduce inequities and injustices in diverse contexts. However, their intersection remains largely unexamined in the provision of employment supports. The objective of this qualitative study is to identify barriers and facilitators within employment supports to seek strategies to improve the employment outcomes of racialized disabled job seekers and workers and address gaps faced by service providers and employers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used interpretive description (Thorne S. Interpretive description: Qualitative research for applied practice; 2016.). Four racialized disabled job seekers and workers, two employers and four service providers from Canada participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke in Qual Res Psychol 3:77-101, 2006) was used to analyze the data.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Five core themes were identified: (1) managing intersectional confusion; (2) employer education; (3) contextual barriers; (4) client-service provider relationships; and (5) urgency for solutions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides grounding evidence about common concerns and barriers within existing employment support systems and can assist policymakers and service providers to better understand the complex and nuanced lived experiences of racialized disabled job seekers and workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"503-516"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13099852/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assisting Employers of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to Support Employees on Long-Term Sick-Leave: Development of a Web-Based SME Tool Using Intervention Mapping.","authors":"Donna C E Beerda, Frederieke G Schaafsma, Sietske J Tamminga, Astrid de Wind, Angelique E de Rijk, Michiel A Greidanus","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10281-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-025-10281-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Employers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in supporting employees on long-term sick-leave, due to limited resources and expertise available. This study aimed to develop an intervention assisting employers of SMEs in supporting long-term sick-listed employees during sick-leave and return to work (RTW).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Intervention mapping (IM) steps 1-4 were employed to develop the intervention. For the needs assessment, 20 employers, 8 employees, 8 occupational physicians, and 9 other stakeholders were interviewed (step 1). A logic model of change was developed (step 2), followed by the identification of theoretical methods for achieving the changes required (step 3). The intervention was composed (step 4), incorporating the results of a pilot test with 4 employers, 4 employees, 4 occupational physicians, and 3 other stakeholders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Identified needs (step 1) span knowledge on legislation, communication skills, stakeholder engagement, practical support, actions regarding RTW, relapse prevention, and organizational policy. Using the self-determination theory as the theoretical basis for improving employer intention and ability to support sick-listed employees (steps 2 and 3), a web-based intervention was developed (step 4) (hereafter: SME tool). The SME tool includes succinct tips, communication videos, and practical checklists. Minor adjustments were made following the pilot test, such as adding supplementary information on privacy regulations and preventive strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>By focusing on enhancing SME employers' intention and ability to support their long-term sick-listed employee(s), the developed SME tool has the potential to improve the satisfaction of employees with the sick-leave and RTW support of their employer during long-term sick-leave.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"437-455"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13099837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143634426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"What Predicts Changes in the Work Situation of Recently Diagnosed People with Multiple Sclerosis and do these Predictors also Apply to Healthy People?","authors":"Shalina R D Saddal, Karin van der Hiele, Ehsan Motazedi, Elianne E A van Egmond, Leo H Visser, Pauline T Waskowiak, Amber van der Kruit, Maureen van Dam, Menno M Schoonheim, Vincent de Groot, Hanneke E Hulst, Frederieke G Schaafsma","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10279-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-025-10279-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To study associations of baseline predictors with work difficulties and number of working hours after one year in recently diagnosed people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Furthermore, to analyze whether these predictors are generic, i.e., apply to healthy people as well, or are disease specific.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>TEMPRANO and MS@Work data were combined resulting in a dataset of 135 recently diagnosed PwMS (≤ 1 year) and 172 healthy people. We analyzed the associations of baseline predictors that fit within the international classification of functioning and health (ICF) framework using a mixed-effect negative-binomial model with log link for work difficulties and number of working hours after one year, and fitted each model using a fully Bayesian approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Slower information processing speed was a disease-specific predictor for more work difficulties after one year (posterior mean ratio (PMR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.69, 0.97]). Higher conscientiousness was a generic predictor for more working hours after one year (PMR = 1.02, 95%CI = [1.01, 1.03] for PwMS and PMR = 1.01, 95% CI = [1.00, 1.02] for healthy people). Being male (PMR = 0.75, 95% CI = [0.58, 0.96]), being younger (PMR = 0.99, 95% CI = [0.98, 1.00]), higher information processing speed (PMR = 1.08, 95% CI = [1.04, 1.13]), better learning and memory (PMR = 1.09, 95% CI = [1.03, 1.15]), and mentally burdensome job tasks (PMR = 1.36, 95% CI = [1.22, 1.52]) were disease-specific predictors for more working hours after one year.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>For recently diagnosed PwMS, disease-specific predictors that fit within the ICF framework associate with perceived work difficulties and working hours after one year.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"426-436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13099700/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143517088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Designing a Multi-Stakeholder Intervention for Return to Work After Burnout. A Participatory Approach.","authors":"Eva Geluk, Remco Lenstra, Bart Cambré, Anja Van den Broeck","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10300-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-025-10300-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Burnout is a leading cause of prolonged sick leave and workforce withdrawal, with high relapse rates after return to work (RTW). Despite its classification as an occupational phenomenon, RTW interventions for burnout to date predominantly focus on individual recovery, often neglecting workplace-directed strategies. This study aimed to develop a multi-stakeholder RTW intervention, integrating both individual and organizational components through a participatory, iterative design process.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a Design Thinking approach structured within the Double Diamond framework, this study employed a co-creation methodology to engage employees, supervisors, HR professionals, occupational health practitioners, and other RTW experts in the development of a comprehensive RTW intervention. The process unfolded through iterative cycles of stakeholder engagement, prototyping, and refinement. Formative usability testing was conducted to assess feasibility, practicality, and alignment with workplace needs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The intervention included three key components: (1) a neutral RTW facilitator role and corresponding training program for facilitators supporting employees and supervisors; (2) a structured step-by-step RTW process with distinct pre- and post-RTW phases; and (3) a supporting toolbox incorporating conversation cards and a digital tool for progress monitoring.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the feasibility of a multi-stakeholder, design-driven approach to RTW intervention development. By aligning the intervention with real-world needs through participatory design, the intervention holds the promise for reducing relapse and supporting sustainable RTW. Future research should evaluate its effectiveness in real-world implementation and its impact on long-term work retention.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"591-602"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144095644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable Livelihoods and Disability at Work: Experiences, Resources, and Coping in Ethiopia.","authors":"Habtamu Wondimu, Habtamu Misganaw, Girum Melkamu","doi":"10.1007/s10926-026-10398-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-026-10398-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study qualitatively explores the lived experiences of people with disabilities in the workplace in Wolkite Town, Ethiopia, through the lens of a sustainable livelihood approach (framework). Although there is a growing interest across existing studies on employment barriers for people with disabilities, few studies have examined how the interplay of social, human, and financial barriers shapes workplace experiences in low-resource urban settings. This phenomenological study involved key informants and in-depth interviews with 30 participants to investigate the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace, the social and livelihood resources they mobilize, and the coping mechanisms they wield. Three main themes emerged from the study: difficulties in the workplace, social and livelihood resources, and coping mechanisms. The results of the study highlight widespread structural and attitudinal obstacles, such as discrimination in the workplace, lack of accessible infrastructure, social stigma, and institutional negligence, which contribute to poor access to human, social, physical, and financial capital. Regardless of these limitations, people with disabilities can be resilient, although they do not react to these challenges without adaptive coping strategies including cognitive reframing, social network dependence, and problem engagement. When the voices of people with disabilities are central, this study will provide context-specific knowledge to guide interventions that put the perspective of disabled individuals at the center of livelihood interventions and offer equitable employment opportunities in low-resource locations.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Longitudinal Associations Between Core Health Domains, Assessed Using the PROMIS-29, and Work Ability in a Working Population: Findings from the Lifelines Cohort Study.","authors":"Daan Toben, Astrid de Wind, Leo D Roorda, Johannes Anema","doi":"10.1007/s10926-026-10411-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-026-10411-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the longitudinal relationship between core health domains, assessed with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-2)9, and work ability, and explore how this relationship differs for physical and mental work ability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data representing 22,608 workers were obtained from two waves of the Lifelines Cohort Study, a large population-based cohort in the Netherlands. Eight health domains, assessed at baseline using PROMIS-29 v2.1, were analyzed in relation to work ability, assessed at follow-up with single WAI items. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to model these relationships, adjusting for age, BMI, leisure-time physical activity, and follow-up time, and evaluating effect modification by gender.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All PROMIS health domains were significantly associated with work ability at 4.6 years follow-up. Health domains reflecting worse health, e.g., fatigue, showed an inverse association with work ability (OR: 0.75, CI: 0.72-0.78), whereas domains reflecting better health, e.g., ability to participate in social roles and activities, showed positive associations (OR: 1.28, CI: 1.23-1.34). Some health domains, like physical function (OR: 1,35 CI: 1.26-1.45) and pain interference (OR: 0.84, CI: 0.78-0.91) were associated with physical work ability only, whereas anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, ability to participate in social roles and activities, and pain intensity were associated with both physical and mental work ability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Health domains, assessed using the PROMIS-29, are longitudinally associated with general, physical and mental work ability. PROMIS-29 might be used to identify workers at risk of reduced work ability and potential sickness absence. Further research is needed to verify this and should directly examine the relationship between PROMIS-29 scores and objective sickness absence rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147983868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Workplace Adjustments and Sick Leave Duration Among Individuals with Stress-Related Disorders: A Longitudinal Register Follow-up in Sweden.","authors":"Anja Beno, Gunnel Hensing, Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir","doi":"10.1007/s10926-026-10412-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-026-10412-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sick leave with stress-related disorders has increased substantially in Sweden and other OECD countries, posing a significant challenge to public health and workforce participation. whilst employer support has been shown to contribute to return to work (RTW), there is limited evidence regarding which specific workplace adjustments facilitate this process.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to investigate the types of workplace adjustments individuals with stress-related disorders receive to facilitate RTW and whether such adjustments are associated with a reduced number of sick leave days.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study combined data from a national survey of 1,412 individuals on long-term sick leave due to stress-related disorders (ICD-10 F43 codes) with register data on sick leave from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Workplace adjustments were self-reported via a multiple-choice questionnaire. Sick leave outcomes were measured as gross and net sick leave days at 6 and 18 months. Multivariable quantile regression was used to examine associations between reported adjustments and the distribution of sick leave days, adjusting for age, sex, and education.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighty per cent of participants reported having received at least one workplace adjustment, with changes in work tasks being most common. Quantile regression analyses revealed that workplace adjustments were associated with fewer net sick leave days, particularly among individuals with longer durations of sick leave. At 18 months, individuals who had received workplace adjustments had significantly fewer net sick leave days across the 40th to 90th percentiles, with the largest difference at the 90th percentile (153 fewer net sick leave days; p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Workplace adjustments were associated with shorter durations of sick leave among individuals with stress-related disorders, particularly among those with prolonged sick leave. These findings highlight the potential relevance of individualised workplace adjustments in the rehabilitation process.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Implementation of the Toolbox \"Talk About Pain-Take Action Together\" to Improve Musculoskeletal Pain Management in the Workplace.","authors":"Camilla Blach Rossen, Bolette Emborg Jannsen, Mette Jensen Stochkendahl, David Høyrup Christiansen, Maja Husted Hubeishy","doi":"10.1007/s10926-026-10413-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-026-10413-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of sickness absence from work and early retirement. While structured workplace dialogues about musculoskeletal pain are recommended, their implementation remains challenging. This study explored the implementation of the 'Talk About Pain-Take Action Together'' toolbox in two Danish public workplaces.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Qualitative observational implementation study informed by reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. Two workplaces with physically demanding roles were included: one with researcher-initiated implementation during the study period and one with internally initiated implementation prior to the study. Data were collected through observations, memos, emails, and four focus group interviews with 10 participants including employees, managers, and occupational safety and health consultants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Workplace 1 (WP1) implemented the toolbox, employing seven strategies: identifying and preparing champions, conducting a local needs assessment, distributing educational materials, reminding clinicians, tailoring strategies, organising implementation team meetings, and creating learning collaboratives. Key enablers included management engagement, ongoing exposure, and creating a safe environment, whereas lack of time was identified as a barrier. At workplace 2 (WP2), three strategies were employed: identifying and preparing champions, distributing educational materials, and conducting educational meetings. However, the toolbox was never fully implemented, hindered by time-related barriers, organisational restructuring, and unclear roles and responsibilities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Effective implementation of workplace MSD interventions requires management engagement, time allocation, and clear roles.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictors of Mental Health-Related Sick Leave at Referral to Clinical Psychology: A Population-Based Study Using Electronic Health Records.","authors":"César González-Blanch, Sandra Martínez-Gómez, Saioa Pérez-García-Abad, Jose Ruiz-Gutiérrez, María Del Mar Miras-Aguilar, Carmen Ramos-Barrón, Emilio Pariente-Rodrigo, Lourdes Piñán-Setién, Noelia Otero-Cabanillas, María Isabel Priede","doi":"10.1007/s10926-026-10414-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-026-10414-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To examine factors associated with sick leave status at referral to clinical psychology and its duration using electronic health records (EHRs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A population-based observational study was conducted with 2,765 patients referred from primary care to mental health units in a regional public healthcare system in Spain in 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analysed, and a subsample of 400 patients provided additional data on healthcare use and prior sick leave. Logistic regression and generalized linear models were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At referral, 22.1% of patients were on sick leave (median = 181 d). In analyses based on the full sample, psychopharmacological treatment and being in a relationship were associated with higher odds, whereas female sex was associated with lower odds. In the subsample including prior history variables, prior sick leave emerged as the strongest predictor of both status and duration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Routine clinical variables have limited predictive value, whereas prior sick leave episodes are a key and readily available indicator of risk for prolonged sick leave. Incorporating standardized clinical and work-related measures into EHRs may facilitate early identification of individuals at risk of prolonged sick leave and permanent work disability.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}