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Evaluation of the Rapid Return to Work Reform in Norwegian Specialist Health Services

The overall goal of the evaluation was to evaluate the whole reorganization process of RRTW and investigate consequences at the system level, service levels, and patient levels.

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Researchers at SINTEF and NTNU conducted a national evaluation (2018-2021) of the organisational changes (reform) made to the "Rapid Return to Work" scheme (RRTW) in specialist health services in Norway in 2017/2018.  The overall goal of the evaluation was to evaluate the whole reorganization process of RRTW and investigate consequences at the system level, service levels, and patient levels:

  1. Investigate the consequences for patients with musculoskeletal disorders and/or patients with mental health disorders.
  2. Investigate the effects of the reform on sick leave.
  3. Describe the content of the services over time and guidance on possible course adjustments.
  4. Investigate the effects of changes in organization and collaboration internally in specialized healthcare and in relation to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), general practitioners, etc.
  5. Investigate the effects on work-related interventions integrated into treatment in specialized healthcare.

Mixed methods (interviews, surveys, individual level register data on patients) were applied. Reports from the national evaluation are available in Norwegian. 

Key Factors

Project duration

2018 - 2021

Oppdragsgiver

The four regional health trusts.

Cooperation partner

NTNU

 

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