The effect of the use of motivational counselling in occupational health examinations on work ability

There is uncertainty about the effects of occupational health examinations. In this trial we will evaluate the effect of a health plan and motivational counselling as part of an occupational health examination on work ability. The trial is set up as a stepped wedge design in which three groups of occupational health nurses are trained over time.

The use of motivational counselling and inclusion of a written health plan in an occupational health examination will improve personal work resources and work ability at 12 months follow-up

Follow-up at 12 months

Intervention group: Motivational counselling and a written health plan as part of occupational health examinations. Occupational nurses are trained to use motivational counselling, and to co-create a written health plan with individual workers as part of occupational health examinations.

Control intervention is care as usual which means that there is an occupational health examination for which nurses are not trained in motivational counselling and co-creating a written health plan.