RETAIN Program for Work-related Injuries

(MN RETAIN Trial)

Overseen By Courtney Fick, SOCRA, CCRP

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Workers' compensation, SSDI/SSI, Self-employed, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

1000 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to assist people in Minnesota who have been injured or become ill and are struggling to return to work. The focus is on using the RETAIN program, a support initiative, to help these individuals stay at their jobs or return to work quickly by providing dedicated case managers and career resources. It is ideal for those who live and work in Minnesota, have been unable to work for at least two weeks due to injury or illness, and are either employed or actively job hunting. Participants cannot be self-employed or have an active workers' compensation claim. This trial is a collaboration between the Mayo Clinic and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to access innovative support programs designed to enhance the return-to-work journey.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

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

Research has shown that RETAIN programs use early intervention strategies to help injured or ill workers stay at work or return to work. These programs focus on supporting employees and aim to reduce the risk of future work-related disabilities.

Currently, no specific data exists on safety concerns related to the RETAIN Program itself. However, as a program rather than a medical treatment, it lacks the usual medical risks associated with drugs or surgeries. Instead, it offers support, such as providing a case manager to assist with career and workforce development.

Since this is not a typical medical treatment, safety refers to how well the program aids workers without adding stress or problems. Generally, these supportive programs are well-received and aim for positive outcomes for employees. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The RETAIN Program is unique because it focuses on providing personalized support through a dedicated Return-to-Work Case Manager for individuals with work-related injuries. Unlike typical treatments that might focus solely on medical rehabilitation, this program offers a holistic approach by also including career and workforce development resources. Researchers are excited about this method because it not only addresses the physical aspects of recovery but also supports individuals in regaining their employment and economic stability, potentially leading to more comprehensive recovery outcomes.

What evidence suggests that the RETAIN Program is effective for work-related injuries?

Research has shown that the RETAIN Program, which participants in this trial will experience, helps people return to work after an injury or illness. Studies have found that programs like RETAIN can shorten the time people are off work and reduce future days missed due to disability. For instance, similar programs have led to fewer days of missed work for injured workers. Early intervention can make it easier for people to stay at work or return sooner. Overall, the RETAIN Program aims to support injured workers and keep them in the workforce by providing the resources and guidance needed for a smooth return to their jobs. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Laura Breeher, M.D, M.P.H

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Clayton Cowl, M.D, MS

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The Minnesota RETAIN Phase 3 trial is for individuals on sick leave or dealing with disability and work-related injuries in MN. It aims to help these employees stay at work or return to work by implementing best practices in early intervention.

Inclusion Criteria

Minnesota resident

Works or intends to work in Minnesota

I am over 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to understand and give informed consent for medical procedures.

Active workers' compensation claim relating to the qualifying injury or illness

Pending application or Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants are assigned a dedicated Minnesota RETAIN Return-to-Work Case Manager and referred for additional career and workforce development resources when needed

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for workforce retention and reduction of future workplace disability

3 years

Long-term follow-up

Monitoring of accessibility for individuals with disabilities impacting work

4 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• RETAIN Program

Trial Overview The trial evaluates the expansion of the RETAIN Program, which is a collaborative effort between Mayo Clinic, MN DEED, and other stakeholders. The program's effectiveness in workforce retention and reducing future workplace disability will be assessed.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Phase 3 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals will be assigned a dedicated Minnesota RETAIN Return-to-Work Case Manager. Participants will be referred for additional career and workforce development resources when needed.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

5,200+

U.S. Department of Education

Collaborator

Trials

87

Recruited

54,500+

Citations

1. ssa.gov ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/retain.htm

Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness ... The RETAIN evaluation is a mixed-methods demonstration and both qualitative (ie, in-depth interview data) and quantitative data (ie, baseline intake surveys)

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

Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness ... The impact evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of intervention strategies from RETAIN demonstration projects operating in Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, ...

3. mathematica.org mathematica.org/publications/process-analysis-report-for-the-retaining-employment-and-talent-after-injury-illness-network

Process Analysis Report for the Retaining Employment and ... This report presents findings on the implementation of the RETAIN program in five states midway through program operations.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9523466/

Evaluating effectiveness of an integrated return-to-work ... The findings suggest that the WSIB WR program introduction was effective in reducing cumulative disability days paid for injury claims among ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0144818817300339

How effective are employer return to work programs? Return to Work programs generated positive returns by reducing time off work after a workplace injury. •. Modifying work equipment was the most effective RTW ...

6. dol.gov dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/saw-rtw/retain

Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness ... RETAIN programs implement early intervention strategies to improve stay-at-work/return-to-work (SAW/RTW) outcomes of individuals who experience a work ...

7. osha.gov osha.gov/sites/default/files/OSHA_2023_Work-Related_Injury_and_Illness_Summary.pdf

OSHA 2023 Work-Related Injury and Illness Summary As of May 31, 2024, 385,488 establishments submitted OSHA Form 300A data summarizing a total of 1,538,299 injuries and illnesses with an associated 18,506,116 ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12194668/

Return to Work After Work-Related Injuries: A Systematic ... Conclusions: This meta-analysis underscored a significant overall return-to-work rate after work-related injuries, with age, sex, marital status ...

9. blog.oshaonlinecenter.com blog.oshaonlinecenter.com/osha-training-statistics/

OSHA Training Statistics: Reducing Workplace Injuries OSHA Outreach Training resulted in a 13% reduction in workers' compensation injury claims among union carpenters (though not statistically ...

10. mathematica.org mathematica.org/-/media/publications/pdfs/disability/2021/retain_evaluation_design_rpt.pdf

Evaluation Design for the Retaining Employment and ... WC insurers typically implement safety programs to reduce injuries and SAW/RTW programs to reduce work disability after medical conditions arise ...