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A Naturalistic Trial of the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic. The NSAC Efficacy Study (NSAC)

Primary Purpose

Musculoskeletal Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depression

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
Norway
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
NSAC - rapid
NSAC - ordinary
NSAC - active control
Sponsored by
Nordlandssykehuset HF
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Musculoskeletal Disorder focused on measuring Return to work, Sickness absence, Nudge, Barriers for return to work, Motivation for work, Demand and control, Work/family conflict, Bullying

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient must be considered eligible for treatment at the NSAC by the admission team at the NSAC.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients aged 23 years or less at the time of referral.
  • Patients considered too healthy for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group
  • Patients considered too sick for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group
  • Patients that do not have a diagnosis that is relevant for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group
  • Patients otherwise considered not within target group for the measure

Sites / Locations

  • Helse I Arbeid NordlandssykehusetRecruiting
  • Helse I Arbeid HelgelandssykehusetRecruiting
  • Helsepartner Rehabilitering Alta
  • Helse I Arbeid FinnmarkssykehusetRecruiting
  • Helse I Arbeid Universitetssykehuset Nord-NorgeRecruiting

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm 3

Arm Type

Active Comparator

Active Comparator

Active Comparator

Arm Label

NSAC rapid: treatment at the NSAC at- or within 4 weeks

NSAC ordinary: treatment at the NSAC after 10-14 weeks

NSAC - active control

Arm Description

NSAC service delivered according to ordinary procedures, 4 weeks after referral.

NSAC service delivered according to ordinary procedures, 10-14 weeks after referral, by and large equivalent to current waiting time

Monodisciplinary examination at the NSAC close to diagnosis-specific deadline for examination as suggested by guidelines (8-26 weeks, the majority at the end of this interval)

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Functional recovery: employment
Employment during first 365 days post first treatment at the NSAC, based on registry data and self-report.
Functional recovery: sickness absence
Sickness absence during first 365 days post first treatment at the NSAC, based on registry data and self-report.
Functional recovery: application for rehabilitation benefits
Application for rehabilitation benefits during first 365 days post first treatment at the NSAC, based on registry data and self-report.
Functional recovery: employment long term
Employment during 5-and 10-year period post first treatment at the NSAC, all based on registry data.
Functional recovery: sickness absence long term
Sickness absence during 5-and 10-year period post first treatment at the NSAC, all based on registry data.
Functional recovery: rehabilitation benefits long term
Rehabilitation benefits during 5-and 10-year period post first treatment at the NSAC, all based on registry data.
Functional recovery: disability benefits long term
Disability benefits during 5-and 10-year period post first treatment at the NSAC, all based on registry data.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Mental health
Changes in self-reported mental health between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist - 10 (HSCL-10).
Anxiety
Changes in self-reported anxiety between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The instrument is provided to patients upon indication, defined as a HSCL-10 score > 1.4
Depressive symptoms
Changes in self-reported depression between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The instrument is provided to patients upon indication, defined as a HSCL-10 score > 1.4
Sleep
Changes in self-reported sleep between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using 3 questions commonly used to diagnose sleeping disorder according to the DSM-IV criteria for insomnia.
Health Anxiety
Changes in self-reported health anxiety between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Whitely Index. All patients are asked the first question in the test battery, and the entire instrument is provided to patients with a score of >3 on this question
Subjective health complaints
Changes in subjective health between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using a modified version of the Ursin Health Inventory.
Back pain
Changes in self-reported back pain between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on localization of pain. In case of back pain, patients are provided the ODI.
Neck pain
Changes in self-reported neck pain between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on localization of pain. In case of neck pain, patients are provided the NDI.
Pain intensity
Changes in self-reported pain intensity between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using a visual analogue scale scored between 0 and 10. All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on pain intensity during rest and activity.
Fear avoidance
Changes in self-reported fear avoidance between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided the FABQ.
Physical activity
Changes in self-reported level of physical between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale (SGPALS).
Fatigue
Changes in self-reported fatigue between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Fatigue Assessment Scale. All patients are asked the first question in the test battery, and the entire instrument is provided to patients with a score of ≥ 3 on this question
Pain localization
Changes in self-reported localization of pain between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on localization of pain.
Cause of pain
Changes in self-reported cause of pain between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on the believed cause of pain.
Self-reported diagnosis
Changes in self-reported diagnoses between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. The respondent is asked whether he/she thinks they have Covid-19 sequelae, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, whiplash, fibromyalgia, hypermobility, irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerance, or whether they have been diagnosed with either of these by health personnel.

Full Information

First Posted
March 16, 2022
Last Updated
July 30, 2023
Sponsor
Nordlandssykehuset HF
Collaborators
University Hospital of North Norway, Helsepartner Rehabilitering AS (Alta, Norway), Helgelandssykehuset HF, Finnmarkssykehuset HF (Kirkenes, Norway), UiT The Arctic University of Norway
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT05310695
Brief Title
A Naturalistic Trial of the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic. The NSAC Efficacy Study
Acronym
NSAC
Official Title
A Naturalistic Efficacy Trial of the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic for Patients With Common Mental Disorder and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
January 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
January 16, 2023 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
October 2024 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
October 2034 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
Nordlandssykehuset HF
Collaborators
University Hospital of North Norway, Helsepartner Rehabilitering AS (Alta, Norway), Helgelandssykehuset HF, Finnmarkssykehuset HF (Kirkenes, Norway), UiT The Arctic University of Norway

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic (NSAC) is a publicly funded specialist outpatient health service, which is uniquely available for the work force. The overall aim of the NSAC is prevention of sickness absence, promote return to work (RTW) among those on sickness absence and prevent long term disability benefit dependency. In addition to being a health service, the NSAC has a focus on work and functional recovery, including also non-health related factors. Patients can be referred by general practitioners for mental health problems and musculoskeletal problems. The NSAC has a lower threshold for severity than specialist health services generally, and in particular for mental health problems. The efficacy of this service is unknown. The NSAC Efficacy Study is a randomized controlled multicentre trial which aims to assess the effect of the NSAC service. "Helse i Arbeid" is the Norwegian name for NSAC, and the Norwegian abbreviation is "HiA". The Norwegian study name is HIANOR. The NSAC Efficacy Study involves five different NSACs across northern Norway, and will recruit 2500 patients, randomized to in equal proportions to three treatment arms: NSAC - rapid: treatment at the NSAC at- or within 4 weeks NSAC - ordinary: treatment at the NSAC after 10-14 weeks NSAC - active control: monodisciplinary examination at the NSAC close to diagnosis-specific deadline for examination as suggested by guidelines (8-26 weeks, the majority at the end of this interval) The overall aim is to assess the effect of the NSAC service, with the hypothesis that the NSAC service is superior to what resembles treatment as usual (TAU) for outcomes such as return to work or improved health (waiting list control). Many of the diagnoses or problems for which patients are referred to the NSACs naturally improve regardless of health interventions, and - as of date - no research has been conducted to assess the efficacy of the service.
Detailed Description
The Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic (NSAC) is a publicly funded specialist outpatient health service, which is uniquely available for the work force. The overall aim of the NSAC is prevention of sickness absence, promote return to work (RTW) among those on sickness absence and prevent long term disability benefit dependency. In addition to being a health service, the NSAC has a focus on work and functional recovery, including also non-health related factors. Patients can be referred by general practitioners for mental health problems and musculoskeletal problems. The NSAC has a lower threshold for severity than specialist health services generally, and in particular for mental health problems. The efficacy of this service is unknown. The NSAC Efficacy Study is part of a broader project, the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic Study (NSACS). The NSACS currently has two sources of funding: Northern Norway Regional Health Authority and The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration and involves two RCTs: NSAC Efficacy and NSAC Nudge and fifteen work packages concerning health economics, scalability, implementation, profiling of patient groups, and non-RCT related research questions to improve understanding of the patient group and their challenges. To do this the project will use patient survey data, clinician-reported procedures, opinions and outcomes, linked to registry data for work benefits and health service use. The randomized controlled trial NSAC Efficacy is the subject of this trial registration. The NSAC Efficacy Study is a naturalistic randomized controlled multicentre trial, carried out in northern Norway and involving five NSACs. The study invites 2500 patients, randomized to either of three treatment arms: NSAC rapid: treatment at the NSAC at- or within 4 weeks NSAC ordinary: treatment at the NSAC after 10-14 weeks NSAC - active control: monodisciplinary examination at the NSAC close to diagnosis-specific deadline for examination as suggested by guidelines (8-26 weeks, the majority at the end of this interval) The NSACs are staffed by teams of medical doctors specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychologists, physiotherapists, and employment counsellors with experience from case management in the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration (NAV). All patients are asked to complete an electronic survey about their mental health and musculoskeletal pain, work conditions, motivation for work and barriers for return to work (RTW). The control group only completes the survey on health, and only on either mental health or musculoskeletal pain, according to referral diagnosis. The survey tool manages the randomization algorithm. The NSAC is a relatively new clinical service, available for the labour force, and publicly funded with the intention to reduce sickness absence and prevent retirement from the labour force and transitions to disability benefits. The NSAC clinic welcomes patients with the most common diagnoses for sickness absence and is supposed to have a low threshold. There is no single alternative clinical service for similar patients outside the labour force, thus no single treatment as usual (TAU) alternative. Service availability will depend on diagnosis and severity: The majority of patients eligible for treatment in the NSAC referred with mental disorders would not be eligible for treatment in specialist psychiatric services as conditions in most cases would be too mild. The most common treatment alternative would be treatment at the general practitioners. For patients referred for musculoskeletal problems, some may be eligible for consultations and treatment at physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinics. For those not eligible, the general practitioner is the most common alternative, and other options such as private physiotherapists. Eligibility criteria may vary between catchment areas. All alternatives to the NSAC would be without employment counsellors, little cross disciplinary assessment, and little to no focus on work and functional rehabilitation. The active control group aims to be comparable to TAU, and differs from the NSAC in the following respects: Patients receive a monodisciplinary examination from either a doctor, physiotherapist of psychologist at the NSAC. The focus of the examination is on health-related factors. The patients will not receive further follow-up at the clinic beyond the first examination. Upon indication, the patient is referred to other treatment or examination outside of the NSAC. Employment counsellors are not involved in patient consultations or in discussions about patients. Patients in the active control group will not be posed questions concerning work, motivation for work or barriers for return to work. Patients will during registration in Tivian be classified as having predominantly either musculoskeletal- or common mental disorders, and this will dictate the type of questions posed: musculoskeletal patients will be asked questions on musculoskeletal factors but not psychological factors, while patients will common mental disorders will be asked questions about psychological factors but not musculoskeletal issues. For patients being examined by a psychologist, if issues concerning musculoskeletal health arise, the patient is asked to discuss these with his/her GP. If issues concerning mental health arise which requires competence beyond what the physiotherapist possesses, the physiotherapist may confer with the medical doctor at NSAC. The clinician is not to take initiative to discussing work-related factors with the patient, and as far as possible avoid these becoming central topics of the consultation. If the patient on his/her own initiative brings up such topics, the clinician is not restricted from addressing them. Employment counsellors are not part of patient discussions prior to examination. Meetings or discussions about patients are kept within profession; i.e. a physiotherapist is allowed to discuss his/her patient with other physiotherapists if need be. The data necessary to answer the research questions are gathered from national registries via personal identifier, registry data on population level, questionnaires filled out by the patient (data on health and working conditions) and questionnaires filled out by the clinician (data on number of treatments, diagnosis, professions involved, and types of treatment provided). The patient questionnaire covers 9 themes, split in two sections. Section 1 covers health, and includes musculoskeletal problems, mental health, and other health related issues (such as alcohol consumption, medication, and physical activity). Section 2 includes working conditions (including inter alia questions on social support, work/family conflict and bullying), barriers for RTW, labour market affiliation, other personal aspects (such as demography and motivation for work), questionnaires for health economic evaluation (such as the EQ-5D) and expectations for treatment. By and large the questionnaire consists of test batteries which have been validated for specific topics. To reduce the number of questions posed to each patient, the baseline questionnaire will employ index questions which have proven psychometric properties in terms of factor loading or similar, meaning that if a problem on a specific topic such as neck pain is not indicated, the patient will not be presented with the Neck Disability Index questionnaire. The patient questionnaires will be filled out electronically at before first treatment and at 6- and 12 months after first treatment. In addition, before treatments, patients will be given shorter versions of the same questionnaire to be filled out at the clinic. These shorter questionnaires will consist of questions to which the patient at baseline indicated a high score, and thus includes more relevant information to the clinician. In the NSAC Efficacy Study, receiving treatment at NSACs presupposes consent to participate in research, as the effect of the treatment is as of date unknown. Hence, receiving treatment at the NSAC is not necessarily superior to other available health services. Other available health services that may be utilized by patients serving in the control groups include mono-disciplinary treatment by physiotherapists, psychologists, general practitioners, gyms, electronically delivered self-help tools etc. All patients referred to NSACs will be offered treatment, but patients that decline to participate in research are provided an examination in line with randomization arm #3.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Musculoskeletal Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Fatigue, Pain, Occupational Exposure, Work Related Stress, Workplace Bullying, Employment, Sickness Absence, Return to Work
Keywords
Return to work, Sickness absence, Nudge, Barriers for return to work, Motivation for work, Demand and control, Work/family conflict, Bullying

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Model Description
Patients are randomized to either of three intervention arms:
Masking
Outcomes Assessor
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
2500 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
NSAC rapid: treatment at the NSAC at- or within 4 weeks
Arm Type
Active Comparator
Arm Description
NSAC service delivered according to ordinary procedures, 4 weeks after referral.
Arm Title
NSAC ordinary: treatment at the NSAC after 10-14 weeks
Arm Type
Active Comparator
Arm Description
NSAC service delivered according to ordinary procedures, 10-14 weeks after referral, by and large equivalent to current waiting time
Arm Title
NSAC - active control
Arm Type
Active Comparator
Arm Description
Monodisciplinary examination at the NSAC close to diagnosis-specific deadline for examination as suggested by guidelines (8-26 weeks, the majority at the end of this interval)
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
NSAC - rapid
Intervention Description
NSAC is an outpatient service delivered under the auspices of the specialist health care sector to patients currently on sick leave or at risk for long-term sickness absence. The service is staffed by medical doctors specialising in muskuloskeletal health, physiotherapists, psychologists and welfare sector counsellors, and aims to provide patients with a multi-diciplinary clarification or treatment of problems with the intent of improved function and return to work. Clinicians are provided survey information on the patients potential health problems, motivation for work, barriers for return to work and work environment prior to consultation. In this intervention arm, patients are offered treatment within 4 weeks of referral.
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
NSAC - ordinary
Intervention Description
NSAC is an outpatient service delivered under the auspices of the specialist health care sector to patients currently on sick leave or at risk for long-term sickness absence. The service is staffed by medical doctors specialising in muskuloskeletal health, physiotherapists, psychologists and welfare sector counsellors, and aims to provide patients with a multi-diciplinary clarification or treatment of problems with the intent of improved function and return to work. Clinicians are provided survey information on the patients potential health problems, motivation for work, barriers for return to work and work environment prior to consultation. In this intervention arm, patients are offered treatment at 10-14 weeks after referral.
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
NSAC - active control
Intervention Description
The active control intervention is provided by the NSAC personnel, but patients are offered a single monodisciplinary examination close to the end of the diagnosis-specific deadline suggested in guidelines, which will vary between 8-26 weeks. Employment counsellors may not be involved in consultations, other cross-disciplinary consultations are restricted, and work-related factors are not to be focused on during examination. Clinicians are provided survey information only on the patient's potential health problems prior to consultation. Patients are provided a health-focused examination, with the aim of symptom-relief.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Functional recovery: employment
Description
Employment during first 365 days post first treatment at the NSAC, based on registry data and self-report.
Time Frame
1.5 years post referral
Title
Functional recovery: sickness absence
Description
Sickness absence during first 365 days post first treatment at the NSAC, based on registry data and self-report.
Time Frame
1.5 years post referral
Title
Functional recovery: application for rehabilitation benefits
Description
Application for rehabilitation benefits during first 365 days post first treatment at the NSAC, based on registry data and self-report.
Time Frame
1.5 years post referral
Title
Functional recovery: employment long term
Description
Employment during 5-and 10-year period post first treatment at the NSAC, all based on registry data.
Time Frame
5.5- and 10.5 years post referral
Title
Functional recovery: sickness absence long term
Description
Sickness absence during 5-and 10-year period post first treatment at the NSAC, all based on registry data.
Time Frame
5.5- and 10.5 years post referral
Title
Functional recovery: rehabilitation benefits long term
Description
Rehabilitation benefits during 5-and 10-year period post first treatment at the NSAC, all based on registry data.
Time Frame
5.5- and 10.5 years post referral
Title
Functional recovery: disability benefits long term
Description
Disability benefits during 5-and 10-year period post first treatment at the NSAC, all based on registry data.
Time Frame
5.5- and 10.5 years post referral
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Mental health
Description
Changes in self-reported mental health between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist - 10 (HSCL-10).
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Anxiety
Description
Changes in self-reported anxiety between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The instrument is provided to patients upon indication, defined as a HSCL-10 score > 1.4
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Depressive symptoms
Description
Changes in self-reported depression between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The instrument is provided to patients upon indication, defined as a HSCL-10 score > 1.4
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Sleep
Description
Changes in self-reported sleep between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using 3 questions commonly used to diagnose sleeping disorder according to the DSM-IV criteria for insomnia.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Health Anxiety
Description
Changes in self-reported health anxiety between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Whitely Index. All patients are asked the first question in the test battery, and the entire instrument is provided to patients with a score of >3 on this question
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Subjective health complaints
Description
Changes in subjective health between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using a modified version of the Ursin Health Inventory.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Back pain
Description
Changes in self-reported back pain between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on localization of pain. In case of back pain, patients are provided the ODI.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Neck pain
Description
Changes in self-reported neck pain between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on localization of pain. In case of neck pain, patients are provided the NDI.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Pain intensity
Description
Changes in self-reported pain intensity between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using a visual analogue scale scored between 0 and 10. All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on pain intensity during rest and activity.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Fear avoidance
Description
Changes in self-reported fear avoidance between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided the FABQ.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Physical activity
Description
Changes in self-reported level of physical between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale (SGPALS).
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Fatigue
Description
Changes in self-reported fatigue between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment, measured using the Fatigue Assessment Scale. All patients are asked the first question in the test battery, and the entire instrument is provided to patients with a score of ≥ 3 on this question
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Pain localization
Description
Changes in self-reported localization of pain between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on localization of pain.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Cause of pain
Description
Changes in self-reported cause of pain between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. All patients are asked whether they suffer from musculoskeletal pain, and if present, they are provided questions on the believed cause of pain.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Self-reported diagnosis
Description
Changes in self-reported diagnoses between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. The respondent is asked whether he/she thinks they have Covid-19 sequelae, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, whiplash, fibromyalgia, hypermobility, irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerance, or whether they have been diagnosed with either of these by health personnel.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures:
Title
Preventive effect of sickness absence
Description
Changes in self-reported beliefs about the potential preventive effect of short-term sickness absence on long term sickness absence between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. The respondent is asked whether he/she agrees to 5 different statements on this topic, using a 5-point likert scale.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Health economic evaluation: self report EQ-5D
Description
Health economic evaluation is measured using the EQ-5D instrument, issued to patients prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment to assess change.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Health economic evaluation: self report ReQol
Description
Health economic evaluation is measured using the ReQol instrument, issued to patients prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment to assess change.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Health economic evaluation: labour costs
Description
Health economic evaluation also involves data on number of professions seeing the patient and number of working hours spent on the patient by each profession seeing the patient during the treatment period, recorded in questionnaires filled out by the clinicians after each consultation. This enables calculation of costs in terms of manpower and staff.
Time Frame
Time Frame: 12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Expectations to- and evaluation of treatment
Description
Using open-ended questions, patients are asked about their expectations towards treatment prior to first treatment, and about their evaluation of treatment 6- and 12 months first treatment. These two will be compared.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Barriers for return to work
Description
Changes in self-reported barriers for return to work between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. The questionnaire includes 26 items concerning barriers for return to work.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Motivation for work
Description
Changes in self-reported motivation for work between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. The questionnaire consists of a number of questions concerning motivation.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Effort/reward imbalance
Description
Changes in self-reported effort/reward imbalance (ERI) between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. ERI is measured using the 3 items with the highest factor loading in the Siegrist Effort/Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (short version). A high score on either of the three items triggers the rest of the questionnaire.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Workplace bullying
Description
Changes in self-reported workplace bullying between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. Workplace bullying is measured using the Short Negative Acts Questionnaire (SNAQ).
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Economic situation
Description
Changes in self-reported economic situation between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. The questionnaire includes 2 items concerning economic problems and concerns about economic problems.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Procedural justice
Description
Changes in self-reported procedural justice between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. It is measured by 3 items concerning workplace decisions.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Relational justice
Description
Changes in self-reported relational justice between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. Relational justice is measured by 4 items concerning the general behaviour of the respondent's supervisor.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Job phobia
Description
Changes in self-reported job phobias between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. Job phobia is measured by 12 items concerning the respondent's avoidance of the workplace or work-related anxiety.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Ergonomic work environment
Description
Changes in self-reported ergonomic work environment between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. Ergonomic work environment is measured by 11 items concerning the respondent's physical tasks at work.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Organisational change
Description
Changes in self-reported organisational change between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. Organisational change is measured using the 3 items covering changes in management, colleagues and tasks.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Work/family conflict
Description
Changes in self-reported work/family conflict between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. Work/family conflict is measured using the 4 items with the highest factor loading in the Home-Work Interference Scale.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC
Title
Demand and control
Description
Changes in self-reported demand and control between prior to first treatment and 6- and 12 months post first treatment. Demand and control is measured using three questions from the instrument developed by Karasek/Theorell. A high score on either of the three items triggers the rest of the questionnaire.
Time Frame
12 months post first appointment at NSAC

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The patient must be considered eligible for treatment at the NSAC by the admission team at the NSAC. Exclusion Criteria: Patients considered too healthy for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group Patients considered too sick for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group Patients that do not have a diagnosis that is relevant for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group Patients otherwise considered not within target group for the measure Patients which were included in the NSAC Nudge trial (clinicaltrials identifier: NCT05006976) Patients which are secondary referred from other departments/clinics within the hospital
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Nils Ab Prestegård Aars, PhD
Phone
41239138
Ext
47
Email
nils.abel.aars@nordlandssykehuset.no
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Ingvild Bardal, MD
Phone
48174813
Ext
47
Email
ingvild.bardal@nordlandssykehuset.no
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Arnstein Mykletun, PhD
Organizational Affiliation
UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Helse I Arbeid Nordlandssykehuset
City
Bodø
State/Province
Nordland
ZIP/Postal Code
8092
Country
Norway
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Unni Kolstad
Phone
97898076
Ext
47
Email
unni.kolstad@nordlandssykehuset.no
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Ingvild Bardal
Phone
48174813
Ext
47
Email
ingvild.bardal@nordlandssykehuset.no
Facility Name
Helse I Arbeid Helgelandssykehuset
City
Sandnessjøen
State/Province
Nordland
ZIP/Postal Code
8800
Country
Norway
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Odd Rune Jenssen
Phone
91766295
Ext
47
Email
odd.rune.jenssen@helgelandssykehuset.no
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Marius Kirkhus
Email
marius.kirkhus@helgelandssykehuset.no
Facility Name
Helsepartner Rehabilitering Alta
City
Alta
State/Province
Troms Og Finnmark
ZIP/Postal Code
9510
Country
Norway
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Petter Hobberstad
Email
petter.hobberstad@hpnn.no
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Eirik Irgens
Email
eirik.irgens@hpnn.no
Facility Name
Helse I Arbeid Finnmarkssykehuset
City
Kirkenes
State/Province
Troms Og Finnmark
ZIP/Postal Code
9915
Country
Norway
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Aina Kristoffersen
Email
aina.kristoffersen@finnmarkssykehuset.no
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Kari Beate Engseth
Email
kari.beate.engseth@finnmarkssykehuset.no
Facility Name
Helse I Arbeid Universitetssykehuset Nord-Norge
City
Tromsø
State/Province
Troms Og Finnmark
ZIP/Postal Code
9019
Country
Norway
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Øystein Benjaminsen
Phone
91706764
Ext
47
Email
oystein.benjaminsen@unn.no
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Jostein Bentzen
Phone
99547056
Ext
47
Email
jostein.bentzen@unn.no

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No
IPD Sharing Plan Description
There are no plans to share individual patient data with other researchers. At the stage of analyses, associated researchers will be provided with an anonymized data set including all relevant data to answer the research questions.

Learn more about this trial

A Naturalistic Trial of the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic. The NSAC Efficacy Study

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