OP8
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE RETURN-TO-WORK OUTCOMES AND EXPERIENCES OF EMPLOYEES FOLLOWING TREATMENT FOR DRUG OR ALCOHOL DEPENDENCY
V. M. Naoui
Nottingham University Hospital’s NHS Trust, UK
Background
There are estimated to be 602,391 people in England dependent on alcohol. Prevalence of high-risk drug use in England between 2016-2017 was estimated to be 313,971 . Between April 2021 and March 2022 289,215 adults received treatment for substance use, with around one in five people starting treatment employed.
Aims
The aim of this systematic review was to review the primary research and understand the available evidence on the work outcomes for those returning to the workplace after receiving treatment for dependency, and the experiences of those employees.
Methods
Four electronic databases were searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO. 10 eligible studies were identified. An assessment of the methodical quality was undertaken, and a narrative synthesis of the results was conducted.
Results
Of the studies that have been conducted they are generally of low methodological quality with a significant proportion being in safety critical industries. General themes that emerged: despite the completion of treatment, a diagnosis of substance dependence continues to harm careers. From an employee perspective, there is an increase in performance outcomes and attendance post-treatment. There is a general increase in job satisfaction for post-treatment, but this is only sustained whilst the employee remains abstinent. Positive relationships and support from workplace colleagues appear important for sustaining abstinence.
Conclusions
There is a general paucity in the available literature, further studies are needed to assist occupational health professionals and employers in determining how best to support this vulnerable group of employees achieve a successful and sustained return to work.
References:
PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND. 2021. Alcohol dependence prevalence in England [Online]. PHE. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alcohol-dependence-prevalence-in-england [Accessed 25/11/2023].
PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND. 2019a. Opiate and crack cocaine use: prevalence estimates by local area [Online]. PHE. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/opiate-and-crack-cocaine-use-prevalence-estimates-for-local-populations [Accessed 25/01/2023].
OFFICE FOR HEALTH IMPROVEMENT AND DISPARITIES 2023. Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2021 to 2022: report.
BLACK, D. C. 2016. An independent review into the impact on employment outcomes of drug or alcohol addiction, and obesity. Annex D. Department for Work and Pensions
