Work outcomes and their predictors in the R edesigning D aily O ccupations (Re DO ) rehabilitation programme for women with stress‐related disorders

Background/Aim Previous research has shown that the R edesigning D aily O ccupations programme reduced the degree of sick leave and increased return to work rates among women on sick leave for stress‐related disorders when compared with “care as usual”. To further investigate the Redesigning Daily Occupations intervention, this study explored changes in the work situation from baseline to a 12‐month follow‐up in the Redesigning Daily Occupations group compared with the “care as usual” group and analysed any predictors of change. Methods A matched‐control design was used and 84 women were recruited. Objective (return to work and sick leave) and subjective work outcomes (perceptions of the worker role and the work environment) were explored. Potential predictors were clinical and demographic variables and an anxiety–depression factor. Results In both groups, large positive effect sizes from baseline to follow‐up were found regarding the objective outcomes, a moderate positive effect size was found for perceived work environment, whereas perceived worker role remained unaffected. Previous work rehabilitation predicted objective work outcomes in both groups. Higher education and older age were predictors of subjective outcomes in the Redesigning Daily Occupations group, whereas a more severe anxiety–depression rating was negative for work environment ratings in the “care as usual” group. Conclusions Return to work seemed possible without a change in the women's perceptions of the worker role; rather they renegotiated their view of the work environment. The Redesigning Daily Occupations programme was found to be promising, with a positive effect on return to work and sick leave reduction. It seemed more suitable for the higher educated and older women.