Effects of a Return-to-work program by focusing on the change of psychological scale scores

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the Return-to-Work Program based on changes in psychological scale scores. Return-to-work program was conducted at a psychiatric clinic for patients on medical leave due to mental health disorders. Four questionnaires were used (BDI-II, STAI, LSAS-J, and SASS-J) and the evaluation was conducted before and after the program. We statistically analyzed the changes of these questionnaire scores and the outcomes after returning to work. As a result, improvements were found in all questionnaire surveys. It was suggested that this program was effective not only for patients who take a leave for the first time but also for patients who repeatedly take a leave of absence. In addition, the results showed that the STAI score of the suspended group were higher than that of the reinstated group. It was suggested that the importance of care for patients with high anxiety at the start of the program.