The role of healthcare providers in sustainable return-to-work for individuals with common mental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Many individuals with common mental disorders (CMDs) face challenges after returning to work following sickness absence. Healthcare providers and healthcare systems are well-placed to provide returnees with support which can facilitate sustainable return-to-work. SOURCES OF DATA: This narrative review has integrated data and literature from journal articles, reports, book chapters, and official NHS and UK statistics bodies. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Individual healthcare providers and healthcare systems can take various actions to support sustainable return-to-work for individuals with CMDs. These include utilizing shared decision-making, maintaining communication with other stakeholders, and delivering suitable interventions. Healthcare leadership systems should prioritize improving relevant provider knowledge and skills as many lack confidence managing cases involving return-to-work. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Healthcare providers face uncertainty about which supportive actions fall within their scope of practice.Growing points: Research interest in sustainable return-to-work appears to have grown in recent years. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Future research should seek to clarify the definition of sustainable return-to-work and examine how resources across system levels can support sustainable return-to-work.