- 10:00: Trial lecture
- 12:00: Public defence
The ordinary opponents are:
- First opponent: Professor Maurits van Tulder, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Second opponent: Professor Lene Aasdahl, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway
- Leader of the committee: Head of Studies Lisebet Skeie Skarpaas, OsloMet
The leader of the public defense is Associate Professor Stein Ove Danielsen, OsloMet.
The main supervisor is Professor Robert James Froud, Kristiania University of Applied Sciences. The co-supervisor is Professor Ira Malmberg-Heimonen, OsloMet.
Read the thesis (nva.sikt.no).
Thesis abstract
Returning to work is challenging for those who have been absent for a long time due to persistent pain. In Norway, persistent pain is a common cause of work disability, placing a heavy burden on the welfare system.
To address this, a promising return-to-work programme from the UK was adapted and tested in Norway. The programme actively engages participants in identifying their individual obstacles to work, and involves support from a case manager, work-familiarisation and work placement.
Method
Initially, informational leaflets with evidence-informed insights about work and health were adapted and translated into Norwegian. The programme was then pilot tested in Norway to see if it could be expanded into a full-scale study. The pilot test showed promise, although some areas required attention.
While recruitment, consent processes and data collection worked well, few accepted the invitation to join the programme and finding suitable work placements was difficult. Despite these hurdles, improvements were made, allowing the programme to expand into a full-scale trial.
Interviews were conducted with people receiving welfare benefits due to pain. These interviews revealed significant obstacles to returning to work, including issues with the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) and the healthcare system.
Findings
Participants noted that NAV lacked personalised support and focused too much on work ability testing, causing fear and distress. The healthcare system was seen as fragmented, with long waiting times and a tendency to dismiss persistent pain.
However, key factors that helped people return to work were also identified, such as supportive welfare system staff and personal attributes like determination and the ability to adjust. These findings highlight the need for a dedicated, integrated, empathetic, and person-centred pathway within the welfare system.
The translation of leaflets and pilot testing laid the groundwork for the full-scale study, while the interviews highlighted areas for improvement within the welfare system and directions for future research.
The research presented within this thesis offers promising insights for better supporting individuals with persistent pain in their journey back to work.
