Simple work advice may cut sick leave days, trial suggests

NCT ID NCT04543097

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Keele University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a short vocational advice program helps people on sick leave return to work sooner. Adults who have been off work for at least two weeks due to health issues receive support from a trained worker to identify barriers and plan their return. The study compares this added support against usual care alone, tracking work absence over six months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Vocational support (advice and planning)
What this could lead to: If effective, this approach could help people on sick leave return to work sooner, improving health and financial well-being.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention may not reduce time off work or be cost-effective.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ABSENCE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Musculoskeletal Pain psychiatric disorder Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ABSENCE MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN OTHER PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITION

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Locations

Keele University

Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.