Effect Evaluation of Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) in Norway

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: All International Classification of Primary Care 2 Diagnoses
• Interventions: Other: Independent medical evaluation

• Registration Number: NCT02524392
• Lead Sponsor: NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS

Brief Summary

A randomized controlled trial comparing independent medical evaluation (IME) to treatment as usual (TAU). Participants will be individuals reaching six months uninterrupted sickness absence. Treatment as usual (TAU) is normal follow-up by a general practitioner (GP).

Detailed Description

A randomized controlled trial in a Norwegian context, involving an effect evaluation, a cost-benefit evaluation and a qualitative evaluation. Independent medical evaluation (IME) will be compared to treatment as usual (TAU). Independent medical evaluation (IME) will comprise a consultation with an independent general practitioner (IME GP) who will assess whether the sick listed worker has been given eligible and available opportunities in return to work follow-up in Norway. The independent medical evaluation general practitioner (IME GP) will write a short report that is sent to the treating general practitioner as input from a colleague. The report can be used in the follow-up of the sick listed participant. The participants in the treatment as usual (TAU) group will not receive any other follow-up than normal follow-up by the treating general practitioner. The qualitative evaluation will be conducted to gain insight into the experiences of the general practitioners and the participants.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2015-06-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-08-13
• Study First Posted: 2015-08-14
• Study Start: 2015-09
• Primary Completion: 2018-02
• Study Completion: 2018-03
• Status Verified: 2018-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2018-05-09
• Last Update Posted: 2018-05-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 7642

Inclusion Criteria

• Participants on sick leave with an International Classification of Primary Care-2 diagnosis will be recruited through the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's (NAV) registries, when reaching 22 weeks of sick leave (full or graded).

Exclusion Criteria

• People with International Classification of Disease-10 diagnoses, cancer or dementia.
• People who are pregnant.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Independent medical evaluation	Independent medical evaluation	Independent medical evaluation (IME) of another doctor than the treating general practitioner.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in sick leave	Measured at three and eight weeks after randomization.	Data on sickness benefits from official registers will be used to measure the primary outcome.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Uni Research; 🇳🇴 Bergen, Norway