Return-to-work in Japanese Occupational Health Settings: A Systematic Review and Recommendations

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based return-to-work (RTW) guidelines are lacking in Japan. Here, we investigated whether workplace interventions would shorten the sick-leave period.Methods: A literature search using six occupational health review questions (OHRQs) was conducted in January 2016, and randomized controlled trials were selected. A meta-analysis was conducted for OHRQs 1 and 2 and a qualitative systematic review for OHRQs 3 and 4. Recommendations were subsequently made after thoroughly considering their feasibility in Japan.Results: A committee formed by the Kanto Branch of the Japan Society for Occupational Health agreed on four recommendations for employees concerning sick-leave due to musculoskeletal and mental health disorders.Conclusion: Conditional recommendations included that RTW programs (OHRQ1) and collaboration between occupational health and clinical staff (OHRQ2) shorten the length of sick-leave due to musculoskeletal and mental health disorders. Work accommodation (OHRQ4) was also conditionally recommended for musculoskeletal disorders. Social support was also a good practice approach despite insufficient evidence.

Keywords

• evidence-based medicine
• systematic review
• return-to-work (rtw)
• return-to-work guidelines in occupational health 2017 japan
• sick-leave