The goal of this pilot randomised controlled trial is to investigate whether in vitro exposure by VR enhances return to work (RTW) in flight cabin crew on sick leave with mental health related complaints. The main research questions are: 1. Does VR enhances time to RTW? 2. Does VR increase self-efficacy and positive cognitions regarding RTW, and decrease job anxiety? Researchers will compare a control group receiving care as usual as provided by the occupational physician and a psychologist to an intervention group receiving care as usual plus (al least) one session with VR-glasses in which participants are virtually exposed to their workplace.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of in vitro exposure to the workplace by means of VR to decrease time to RTW of sick-listed flight cabin crew with mental health related complaints compared to usual care. The study design is a pilot randomized controlled trial, including an intervention and control group. Sick-listed workers in the control group receive care as usual from the occupational physician and a psychologist. Sick-listed workers in the intervention group receive care as usual from the occupational physician and a psychologist and participate in a VR-session. During the VR-session, guided by the psychologist, participants are virtually exposed to their workplace. Data on the primary outcome of RTW is collected based on the register data from the occupational health service (6 and 12 months after baseline). Data on secondary outcomes (self-efficacy, cognitions regarding RTW and job anxiety) is collected with baseline and follow-up questionnaires (4 months after baseline).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
118
During the VR-session, guided by the psychologist, participants are virtually exposed to their workplace using VR glasses. Based on the experience of the participants during the vitual visit to their workplace, the psychologist can adjust the therapy. In addition care as usual is provided (see description active comparator).
Guidance by the occupational physician and a psychologist from a psychologist practice specialized in counseling cabin crew and guiding them with returning to work.
KLM Health Services
Schiphol, Netherlands
RECRUITINGTime to RTW
Time between start of sickness absence until participant is considered 'fit to fly' by the occupational physician, measured by register data from the occupational health service.
Time frame: 6 months and 12 months after baseline
Stress-related complaints
Stress-related complaints (e.g., type of disease, severity of symptoms) by means of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The PSS-10 consists of 10 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). A high score means more stress-related complaints
Time frame: Baseline and 4-months follow-up
Self-efficacy regarding return to work
Self-efficacy regarding return to work measured by Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy scale (RTW-SE). The RTW-SE contains of 11 items. The items are rated on a five point scale The response categories vary from 1 (totally disagree) to 6 (totally agree). A high score means more return to work self-efficacy
Time frame: Baseline and 4-months follow-up
Attitude regarding return to work
Scale on attitude regarding return to work. Attitude regarding return to work is measured with a 8-item scale measuring the attitude towards working again. The items are rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (disagree very strongly) to 4 (agree very strongly). A higher score means a more positive attitude towards return to work.
Time frame: Baseline and 4-months follow-up
Job anxiety
Anxiety related to the job measured by the Job Anxiety Scale. The items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from of 0 (no agreement) to 4 (full agreement). A higher score means more job anxiety.
Time frame: Baseline and 4-months follow-up
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