Sickness absence among peer-supported drivers after occupational trauma

Clarner A, Uter W, Ruhmann L, Wrenger N, Martin A, Drexler H (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Occupational Medicine-Oxford Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B - Oxford Open Option D

Book Volume: 67

Pages Range: 143-150

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqw141

Abstract

Psychological first aid is a common approach for providing support after potentially traumatic events (PTEs). In Germany, a peer support model is recommended by the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) to reduce sickness absence after occupational accidents, especially in public transportation. However, data on the effectiveness of peer support are very sparse.To analyse whether peer support has an impact on sickness absence after work-related traumatic events in public transportation.An analysis was conducted in two German public transportation corporations. Due to ethical requirements, we used a historical cohort study comparing peer support by colleagues (VAG-1), peer support at supervisor level (VGF) and a non-intervention group (VAG-0). The study period was from March 2003 to December 2012. We used a negative binominal regression model to estimate the relative risk associated with the interventions and potential confounders.A total of 259 incident PTEs in employees were observed. A regression analysis identified the severity of PTE (severe and fatal events), VGF and age as significant factors in predicting duration of post-event sickness absence. In a stratified analysis, the mode of peer support (VGF) and age predicted sickness absence for less severe PTEs but this was not significant for severe PTEs.Severe and fatal PTEs had the strongest impact on sickness absence after PTEs. For less severe PTE, peer support provided by colleagues may be superior to supervisor support.

Authors with CRIS profile

Annika Clarner Lehrstuhl für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin Wolfgang Uter Professur für Epidemiologie Nina Wrenger Lehrstuhl für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin Johann Drexler Lehrstuhl für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin

Involved external institutions

Bergische Universität Wuppertal DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Clarner, A., Uter, W., Ruhmann, L., Wrenger, N., Martin, A., & Drexler, H. (2017). Sickness absence among peer-supported drivers after occupational trauma. Occupational Medicine-Oxford, 67(2), 143-150. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqw141

MLA:

Clarner, Annika, et al. "Sickness absence among peer-supported drivers after occupational trauma." Occupational Medicine-Oxford 67.2 (2017): 143-150.

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