Vital@Work reintegration programme for sick-listed workers with stress-related complaints in occupational healthcare in the Netherlands: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

Introduction Mental health problems, including stress-related complaints, are an increasing concern in today’s workforce. Therefore, long-term sickness absence becomes a risk, yet effective return to work (RTW) interventions for employees suffering from mental health problems are scarce and they lack tailoring. The aim of this study is to describe the design of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of the tailored Vital@Work reintegration programme for sick-listed workers with stress-related complaints. Methods and analysis An RCT involving 208 sick-listed workers with stress-related complaints will be conducted with measurements taking place at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months. Stress-related complaints will be assessed with a distress screener. All participants will receive care as usual. The intervention group will receive a tailored eHealth programme, followed by the participatory approach if full RTW has not been achieved after 6 weeks in the study. Participants assigned to the control group will be provided with general information via the eHealth programme. The primary outcome is sustainable RTW, defined as lasting at least 28 consecutive days without any relapse. Secondary outcomes are stress-related complaints, psychosocial job characteristics and behaviour change. A mixed-methods approach will be used for the process evaluation. Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Amsterdam UMC (approval number: 2024.0021). Results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, interim and final results will be shared and discussed with the participating organisations involved in this study. Trial registration number NCT06543732 .