There was strong evidence that duration away from work from both MSK or pain-related conditions and MH conditions were significantly reduced by multi-domain interventions encompassing at least two of the three domains .
There was moderate evidence that these multi-domain interventions had a positive impact on cost outcomes .
There was strong evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy interventions that do not also include workplace modifications or service coordination components are not effective in helping workers with MH conditions in RTW .
Evidence for the effectiveness of other single-domain interventions was mixed , with some studies reporting positive effects and others reporting no effects on lost time and work functioning .
Purpose The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of workplace-based return-to-work ( RTW ) interventions and work disability management ( DM ) interventions that assist workers with musculoskeletal ( MSK ) and pain-related conditions and mental health ( MH ) conditions with RTW .
The implementation of occupational health guidelines principles for reducing sickness absence due to musculoskeletal disorders.
BACKGROUND Occupational health guidelines recommend a biopsychosocial approach to manage  sickness absence due to musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) , with a primary focus on early intervention through provision of a supportive network . AIMS To investigate the implementation of a guidelines -based intervention ( early contact of absentees ; addressing psychosocial obstacles ; offering temporary modified work ; communicating among the players ) , and to determine whether this is effective for reducing return-to-work times and duration of future absence . METHODS A non-r and omized controlled trial was conducted within a UK company . Occupational health nurses at two experimental sites ( 1,435 workers ) were trained to deliver the intervention to workers taking absence due to MSDs ( low back and upper limb disorders ) , while usual care was delivered at three control sites ( 1,483 workers ) .  Company-recorded absence data were collected over a 12-month follow-up period . RESULTS The implementation of the experimental intervention was impeded by unforeseen organizational obstacles at one site ( policies , procedures and individual approaches ) which had a detrimental effect on uptake and delivery . At the site where the intervention was delivered per protocol , absence was significantly less compared with controls ; 6.5 and 10.8 days , respectively . However , the duration of future absence was not significantly different ( 13.0 and 25.1 days , respectively ) . CONCLUSIONS An early intervention addressing psychosocial obstacles to recovery can be effective for reducing absence due to MSDs . Successful implementation , where the key players are onside and organizational obstacles are overcome , is difficult to achieve
There was strong evidence that duration away from work from both MSK or pain-related conditions and MH conditions were significantly reduced by multi-domain interventions encompassing at least two of the three domains .
There was moderate evidence that these multi-domain interventions had a positive impact on cost outcomes .
There was strong evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy interventions that do not also include workplace modifications or service coordination components are not effective in helping workers with MH conditions in RTW .
Evidence for the effectiveness of other single-domain interventions was mixed , with some studies reporting positive effects and others reporting no effects on lost time and work functioning .
Purpose The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of workplace-based return-to-work ( RTW ) interventions and work disability management ( DM ) interventions that assist workers with musculoskeletal ( MSK ) and pain-related conditions and mental health ( MH ) conditions with RTW .