![]() ![]() In addition to the quantitative evaluation, a process evaluation will be performed by interviewing physical therapists as well as patients. During data analysis, each outcome variable will be analysed independently at T1 and at T2 as a dependent variable using the study group as an independent variable. ![]() Based on a sample size calculation we need to include 221 patients in each arm (442 in total). Secondary outcomes include limitations in general work-related activities, general pain, quality of life, presenteeism, sick leave (absenteeism), estimated risk for future work disability, work-related psychosocial risk factors, job performance, and work ability. Primary outcomes are the limitations in specific work-related activities and pain during work. Most outcomes will be assessed with validated patient-reported questionnaires. Data are gathered at baseline (T0), at four months (T1) and eight months (T2) follow-up. The intervention group will receive treatment from a physical therapist with more knowledge about work-related factors and skills in terms of integrating work participation into the patients’ care. The control group will receive normal physical therapy treatment. Working patients with MSDs visiting a physical therapy practice are the target group. This trial is a two-arm non-blinded cluster randomised controlled trial. Therefore, the aim of this study is to improve the effectiveness of physical therapy (in primary healthcare) with respect to the work participation of employees with MSDs by increasing the knowledge and skills of generalist physical therapists and by improving the collaboration between generalist physical therapists and physical therapists specialised in occupational health. Recent qualitative research found that although a patient’s work is considered important, physical therapists take work participation insufficiently into account as a determining factor in the treatment of patients with MSDs. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the primary cause of disability worldwide and a major societal burden. ![]()
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