Evaluation of a multidisciplinary treatment for patients with chronic non-specific upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders (ULMSDs) are considered a major health and socio-economic problem. However, knowledge about the effect of treatment programmes is scarce. Objective To evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary treatment programme on well-being, disability and return to work in patients with chronic non-specific upper-limb disorders.


METHODS
A longitudinal and uncontrolled design with pre-post measurements was used. Forty-one patients on long-term sick leave attended for multidisciplinary treatment aimed at training in personal coping strategies and improving activities of daily living. Outcome measures were generic well-being (SF-36), disability (DASH) and return to work (working hours).


RESULTS
General well-being improved significantly between pre-treatment and post-treatment. Level of disability declined significantly between pre-treatment and post-treatment. In 63% of the patients, return to own work was complete at follow up, 4 months post-treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this uncontrolled intervention study suggest that multidisciplinary treatment programmes improve general well-being, reduce disability and facilitate return to work in patients with chronic non-specific ULMSDs.
Schakenraad
C H A
CH
Coronel Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Research Institute Amsterdam Centre for Health Care Research (AmCOGG), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Vendrig
L
L
Sluiter
J K
JK
Veenstra
W
W
Frings-Dresen
M H W
MH
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010865:Pilot Projects