Seven studies (eight articles; two reported on the same data) were included in the review (2,158 participants, range 24 to 836): four randomised controlled trials, two studies with matched controls and one study that used an unmatched historical control group. Three studies were judged to be of high quality and four studies were judged to be of medium quality. Most studies reported follow-up to one year.
Work absence duration: There was moderate evidence from one high quality study to support the use of facilitation of navigation through the disability management system and limited evidence supporting the interventions to facilitate access the treatment outside the workplace. There was moderate evidence from one high quality and two medium quality studies that work-based low intensity psychological interventions had no effect on work absence duration.
Work Functioning: One high quality study provided moderate support that facilitation of access to clinical treatment and workplace-based high intensity psychological interventions improved work functioning outcomes. These results were similar across mild, moderate and severe subgroups of patients with depression (results not presented in the review).
Quality of life: Moderate evidence in one high quality study showed improvements in quality of life with work-based high intensity psychological interventions facilitating access to clinical treatment. One medium quality study found limited evidence for the use of workplace-based low intensity psychological interventions.