Abstract

The inability to work generates substantial costs, mainly due to extended absences because of common musculoskeletal and psychological disorders. The literature suggests that a gradual return to work that mobilizes all stakeholders involved in the return to work process could constitute a promising solution to reduce this burden. Although relevant tools exist to support health care and workplace professionals’ practice and promote gradual returns to work, in reality their use is not widespread and is limited to musculoskeletal disorders.

This study proposes to continue development of the Outils pour soutenir le Retour Progressif au Travail (ORPAT) toolkit by adapting it to cover common psychological disorders and diverse sociodemographic characteristics, including advanced age, gender and ethnocultural diversity. The adoption of these kinds of adapted tools by all stakeholders will contribute to a more systematic, coordinated implementation of gradual return to work procedures. These tools will allow workers to benefit from practices that are more favourable to their return to and retention at work.