Minnesota RETAIN Program for Occupational Injury or Illness

Overseen By Amaka Osuoha, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

Disqualifiers: Legal representation, Informed consent, RETAIN employees, Worker's compensation

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

3200 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate how the Minnesota RETAIN program can assist workers in Minnesota in staying on the job or returning to work after an injury or illness. Participants will either receive the full RETAIN program or join a control group without it. The study focuses on reducing future workplace disability and improving workforce retention through early intervention strategies. Ideal participants have been unable to work for up to six months due to an injury or illness affecting their job and are currently employed or seeking work in Minnesota. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative strategies that could enhance workforce retention and support recovery.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the RETAIN program is safe for workforce retention and reduction of workplace disability?

Research has shown that the Minnesota RETAIN program helps workers return to their jobs after an injury or illness by focusing on early support for employees. While specific safety data is not provided, it is important to note that the program does not involve drugs. Instead, it uses strategies and support services, avoiding medical treatments that might have side effects.

With no new medications or invasive procedures involved, safety concerns remain minimal. The program aims to provide support for a safe and effective return to work. Participants typically engage in activities and receive guidance to enhance their chances of returning to work without significant risk. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Minnesota RETAIN Program because it offers a novel approach to helping individuals recover from occupational injuries or illnesses. Unlike standard treatments that may focus solely on physical rehabilitation, the RETAIN Program emphasizes a comprehensive set of intervention activities aimed at not just physical recovery, but also improving work readiness and preventing long-term disability. This holistic approach could lead to quicker returns to work and better overall outcomes for patients, setting it apart from traditional methods that might not address the broader challenges faced by injured workers.

What evidence suggests that the Minnesota RETAIN program is effective for workforce retention and reducing workplace disability?

Research has shown that the Minnesota RETAIN program, which participants in this trial may receive, helps individuals return to work after an injury or illness. Studies indicate that it provides early support to keep workers on the job or assist them in returning more quickly. By focusing on effective early intervention, this program reduces the risk of long-term work disability. Participants in the program have experienced better outcomes in maintaining employment. Overall, the program appears promising for those facing work-related health challenges. ^{1 4 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jill Berk, PhD

Principal Investigator

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Minnesota residents who are at least 18 years old, have been unable to work due to injury or illness for no more than 6 months, and are currently in the labor force. Ideal candidates should not be involved in legal action related to their condition, lack a return-to-work program through their employer, or have a QRC or DCM via worker's compensation.

Inclusion Criteria

Must have been unable to work for no more than 6 months prior enrollment; 80% of participants must be within 3 months of their last day of work

Must work in Minnesota

I have an injury or illness from work or personal life affecting my job, or I've had or will have surgery affecting my job.

Exclusion Criteria

Employed by a RETAIN healthcare recipient or subrecipient with an existing return to work program for employees (i.e. Mayo Clinic employees)

Worker's compensation recipients that have a qualified rehabilitation consultant (QRC) or a disability case manager (DCM)

Legal representation/litigation at the time of enrollment related to their medical condition

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants in the experimental group receive the full set of RETAIN intervention activities

12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for workforce retention and disability reduction outcomes

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Minnesota RETAIN

Trial Overview The study tests the RETAIN program's effectiveness in helping Minnesotans stay at work or return quickly after an occupational injury/illness. It involves collaboration among partners using best practices for early intervention and will randomly assign participants to either receive these services or not.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: RETAIN Programming Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The experimental group receives the full set of RETAIN intervention activities.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

The control group does not receive the full set of RETAIN intervention activities.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

68

Recruited

31,130,000+

Social Security Administration

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

8,400+

Department of Labor and Industry

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

3,200+

Minnesota Department of Health

Collaborator

Trials

9

Recruited

179,000+

Workforce Development, Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

8,400+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Vocational Improvement Project, a 5.5-year pilot program in Washington State, successfully reduced repeat referrals and delays in vocational rehabilitation for injured workers, while also increasing worker choice and establishing partnerships to enhance outcomes.

Despite these improvements, challenges remain, as retraining plan completion rates are below 60% and only half of the workers earned wages within two years after completing their plans, indicating a need for further enhancements in the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving vocational rehabilitation services for injured workers in Washington State. Sears, JM., Wickizer, TM., Schulman, BA.[2022]

The RETAIN Kentucky program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to help individuals with non-work-related injuries and illnesses return to work or stay employed, utilizing RTW Coordinators for support.

After nearly 3 years of Phase 1, the program is transitioning to Phase 2, which will last 30 months and build on the insights gained to improve employment retention strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

RETAIN Kentucky: A return-to-work and stay-at-work program for people with disabilities grounded in the conservation of resources theory. Rumrill, P., Sheppard-Jones, K., Collett, JW., et al.[2022]

The concept of Maintenance of Work Ability (MWA) has gained significant popularity in Finland over the past decade, becoming a central focus for promoting workplace well-being and is now a key service offered by occupational health services (OHS).

While MWA is recognized for its positive impacts on workplace productivity and employee health, it has not yet been fully integrated into daily work processes, indicating a need for improved trust, communication, and collaboration, especially in smaller workplaces.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Occupational health services and maintenance of work ability at workplaces. Peltomäki, P., Husman, K.[2016]

The articles highlight the potential for early intervention strategies to help workers with medical conditions avoid prolonged work disability, based on analyses of disability claims data and case studies from 50 employers.

By improving systems to identify and support these workers promptly, stakeholders can significantly influence their job retention and overall outcomes, suggesting a need for evidence-based interventions in the workplace.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opportunities for Early Intervention to Avoid Prolonged Work Disability: Introduction to the Special Section. Ben-Shalom, Y., Schimmel Hyde, J.[2019]

The Early Return to Work Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital led to a significant 55% reduction in lost workday cases over a 10-year period, indicating its effectiveness in managing work-related injuries.

The program not only decreased the average number of lost workdays from 26.3 to 12.0 per 100 employees but also highlighted the importance of including ergonomics expertise to enhance job placement for injured workers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A facilitated early return to work program at a large urban medical center. Bernacki, EJ., Guidera, JA., Schaefer, JA., et al.[2019]

Workers who have low job satisfaction, longer disability periods, or feel unsupported are at higher risk for poor outcomes in early return to work programs after on-the-job injuries.

To improve the success of these programs, it's important to identify at-risk workers, design modified job roles, and ensure effective communication of support from the company.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Employee experiences with early return to work programs. Williams, JR.[2014]

Only 41% of Finnish occupational health services (OHS) provide structured return-to-work (RTW) services for employees on sick leave, indicating a significant gap in support for these workers.

The services offered vary widely, with only a small percentage facilitating joint discussions or work trial periods, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines to improve RTW practices in line with scientific evidence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Return-to-work policies in Finnish occupational health services. Kivistö, S., Verbeek, JH., Hirvonen, M., et al.[2022]

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs significantly improve work participation and reduce sickness absence in patients with conditions like back pain, depression, and cancer, as shown by randomized controlled trials across various countries.

In Germany, work-related medical rehabilitation has been confirmed to enhance sustainable work participation and decrease sickness absence compared to standard rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of integrating workplace involvement and graded return-to-work strategies for better outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Rehabilitation and work participation]. Bethge, M.[2018]

Citations

1. mnretain.com mnretain.com/

Home - MN RETAIN The Retaining Employment and Talent after Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) helps workers stay at or return to work when an injury or illness impacts employment.

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40297873/

Mn RETAIN: An early intervention model to identify and ... Mn RETAIN: An early intervention model to identify and support stay at work and return to work for injured and ill employees across industries · Authors.

3. mnphy.com mnphy.com/1223-cover-one-deb-zurcher

The MN Retain Study - Minnesota Physician April 2025 Issue This study focuses on getting workers back to work. Minnesota was one of five states selected to participate in the trial project, and the Minnesota Department ...

4. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10519815241290331

Mn RETAIN: An early intervention model to identify and ... The focus of MN RETAIN has been to assist participants in the intervention group to SAW and RTW after injury or illness. Medical care of the ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05216016

NCT05216016 | Minnesota RETAIN Phase 2 (Sub-study) Facilitates early intervention strategies to support workers in staying-at or returning-to-work (SAW/RTW) after injury or illness and preventing unnecessary ...

6. mn.gov mn.gov/deed/programs-services/dislocated-worker/mn-retain/

Minnesota RETAIN To provide intervention strategies for workers to stay or return to work as soon as medically possible after an injury or illness impacts their employment.

7. dol.gov dol.gov/resource-library/retaining-employment-and-talent-after-injuryillness-network-retain-impact

Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness ... The RETAIN demonstration project is designed to test early intervention Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work (SAW/RTW) strategies to improve labor force participation, ...