title: Towards a new definition of return-to-work outcomes in common mental disorders from a multi-stakeholder perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the perspectives of key stakeholders involved in the return-to-work (RTW) process regarding the definition of successful RTW outcome after sickness absence related to common mental disorders (CMD's).
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed-method design was used: First, we used qualitative methods (focus groups, interviews) to identify a broad range of criteria important for the definition of successful RTW (N = 57). Criteria were grouped into content-related clusters. Second, we used a quantitative approach (online questionnaire) to identify, among a larger stakeholder sample (N = 178), the clusters and criteria most important for successful RTW.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 11 clusters, consisting of 52 unique criteria, were identified. In defining successful RTW, supervisors and occupational physicians regarded "Sustainability" and "At-work functioning" most important, while employees regarded "Sustainability," "Job satisfaction," "Work-home balance," and "Mental Functioning" most important. Despite agreement on the importance of certain criteria, considerable differences among stakeholders were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Key stakeholders vary in the aspects and criteria they regard as important when defining successful RTW after CMD-related sickness absence. Current definitions of RTW outcomes used in scientific research may not accurately reflect these key stakeholder perspectives. Future studies should be more aware of the perspective from which they aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a RTW intervention, and define their RTW outcomes accordingly.
authors: Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. H.L.Hees@amc.uva.nl
authors: Hiske L
authors: HL
authors: Hees
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Nieuwenhuijsen
authors: Maarten W J
authors: MW
authors: Koeter
authors: Ute
authors: U
authors: Bültmann
authors: Aart H
authors: AH
authors: Schene
mesh_terms: D003710:Demography; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D054538:Occupational Health Physicians; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires