Trial of Health at Work Workplace Health Intervention (H@W)

This pilot study will compare workplace health intervention delivered by advisors based in GP practices with normal GP care to assess the usefulness of the concept and its potential for wider use in a larger randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this pilot study is to examine the impact of H@W intervention(s) on job retention and return to work and compare outcomes with those from normal GP care. The target population for this study is people still at work but experiencing a work-related health problem as well as those off work. For the purpose of the study, short term sickness absence is defined as a period of 4 weeks or less and long term sickness absence defined as a period of 4 weeks or longer. Hypothesis

That H@W intervention in comparison to standard care:

• promotes work retention
• enables a quick and sustained return to work for those on short term sick leave (4 weeks or less)
• achieves sustained return to work for those on long term sick leave of 4 weeks or more. This could include a phased return to work.
• achieves positive outcomes which could mean leaving one job and starting another.

• workplace health advice
  The intervention group will receive additional support from a H@W Workplace Health Advisor who will deliver an intervention aimed at sickness absence prevention or sustained return to work, depending on individual circumstances.
  Intervention: Behavioral: Health at Work workplace health advice and support
• No Intervention: GP sickness absence consultation
  Routine general practitioner care for workplace sickness absence.
  Intervention: Behavioral: Health at Work workplace health advice and support

Inclusion Criteria:

• People with work related health problems registered with GP practices in Liverpool Primary Care Trust.

Exclusion Criteria:

• People registered with GP practices outside Liverpool Primary Care Trust.
• Vulnerable adults and those considered by their GP to be unsuitable for the trial.