Duration dependence in sickness absence: how can we optimize disability management intervention strategies?
OBJECTIVE
The optimal timing of interventions during sickness absence remains difficult to determine, because we do not have a clear picture of the presence and type of duration dependence that exists. This study investigates the impact of an intervention by the occupational physician as well as of socioeconomic and work-related factors on duration dependence during sickness absence.


METHODS
Analyses were performed at the population level using data from a major longitudinal survey on work incapacity and return to work in The Netherlands. Several models of duration dependence are estimated.


RESULTS
Evidence is found for the presence of variable-duration dependence. Characteristics that influence duration dependence of the return-to-work (RTW) rate are identified.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings imply that RTW intervention strategies should vary according to differences in workers' susceptibility to positive or negative duration-dependence effects.
Joling
Catelijne
C
Work and Health, Health Economics, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. C.Joling@beoz.unimaas.nl
Groot
Wim
W
Janssen
Peter P M
PP
D000041:Absenteeism; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009426:Netherlands; D018582:Sick Leave; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors