Evaluation of the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic's effectiveness

A Naturalistic Efficacy Trial of the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic for Patients With Common Mental Disorder and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Not applicable Interventional Nordlandssykehuset HF · NCT05310695

This study is testing whether the Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic can help people with muscle or mental health problems return to work more effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNordlandssykehuset HF Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Bodø, Nordland and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05310695 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Norwegian Sickness Absence Clinic (NSAC) is a publicly funded outpatient service aimed at preventing sickness absence and promoting return to work among individuals facing musculoskeletal and mental health issues. This randomized controlled trial assesses the efficacy of the NSAC service, which has a unique focus on both health and non-health related factors influencing work recovery. Patients are referred by general practitioners and the study will utilize various data sources, including patient surveys and health service use records, to evaluate outcomes. The trial is part of a larger project that includes multiple work packages aimed at understanding patient challenges and improving service delivery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing musculoskeletal disorders, anxiety, depression, or fatigue who are eligible for treatment at the NSAC.

Not a fit: Patients who are either too healthy or too sick for treatment at the NSAC, or those without a relevant diagnosis, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at helping patients return to work, thereby reducing long-term disability dependency.

How similar studies have performed: While the efficacy of the NSAC service is currently unknown, similar approaches in other studies have shown promise in improving return-to-work outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\* The patient must be considered eligible for treatment at the NSAC by the admission team at the NSAC.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients considered too healthy for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group
* Patients considered too sick for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group
* Patients that do not have a diagnosis that is relevant for treatment at the NSAC, i.e. not within target group
* Patients otherwise considered not within target group for the measure
* Patients which were included in the NSAC Nudge trial (clinicaltrials identifier: NCT05006976)
* Patients which are secondary referred from other departments/clinics within the hospital

Where this trial is running

Bodø, Nordland and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Musculoskeletal DisorderAnxiety DisordersDepressionFatiguePainOccupational ExposureWork Related StressWorkplace Bullying
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.