Multidisciplinary interventions: review of studies of return to work after rehabilitation for low back pain

J Rehabil Med. 2009 Feb;41(3):115-21. doi: 10.2340/16501977-0297.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of multidisciplinary interventions on return to work for people on sick leave due to low back pain.

Methods: A systematic review of published studies was performed, including a meta-analysis. Identified publications were assessed for relevance and study quality.

Results: A meta-analysis based on 5 studies from Scandinavia verified the scientific evidence for the efficacy of multidisciplinary interventions on return to work.

Conclusion: Although long-term sick leave due to low back pain represents a large problem for the community and multidisciplinary interventions are often advocated, surprisingly few published studies have return to work as an outcome. There is evidence for a clinically relevant effect of multidisciplinary interventions on return to work.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / rehabilitation*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Rehabilitation, Vocational / methods*
  • Sick Leave